Today I’m grateful for The Salvation Army. Most people are familiar with their kettles manned by bell-ringing Santa Clauses. (The song Silver Bells was inspired by the bell ringers outside of department stores.) It’s not Christmas for me unless I drop a few bucks into those kettles. The Salvation Army also takes donations of goods year round. Their truck came to my house yesterday and picked up three televisions, some lawn chairs, and sixteen bags of clothes and household goods. I gave them lots of old clothes, but a fair amount of the things in those bags were new. When I receive gifts I can’t use, or freebies at events, I save them to pass on to The Salvation Army. I never turn down anything that’s free. There were t-shirts and journals I’ve won, and mugs that were giveaways, hostess gifts of platters and plates, and the little toiletries from hotels that I take when I travel. It’s good to know that someone somewhere will get use of these things. When I have a dozen or more bags full, I call for the truck which comes from the Bronx. They make an appointment and show up on time. It’s a lot nicer than waiting for a repairman! And yes, you do get a tax deduction. They will mail you a letter for your records.
When I was first married I bought furniture and household goods at the Salvation Army Thrift Store. They are picky about what they take to sell, and I always knew that the things I found there would be good. I'm not a member or an adherent to their principles, but I’m grateful that I’m now in a position to give some things and cash to them. Times are tough for many. It’s good that places like the Salvation Army continue their mission to help the needy and provide disaster relief. The Salvation Army needs your help and donations, so before you re-gift something, keep them in mind. There’s someone out there who will be most grateful that you did.
PS The Beatles song Strawberry Fields was inspired by a Salvation Army children's home called Strawberry Field.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
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6 comments:
What a great idea to "re-gift" to Salvation Army. I hadn't thought of that.
I'm also grateful for their organization, because they have provided jobs and job training for a lot of my past students with disabilities.
And of course, for the treasures I've found there. :)
There's something about finding "treasures" in thrift shops, isn't there,P ?
That's cool about the job training. I didn't know about that!
I'm also a fan of the Salvation Army stores. Used to shop regularly for clothes and things there, and still do sometimes at St. Vincent de Paul stores. Locally, the S.A. has really helped out in times of disaster (like after hurricanes!) like true champs.
Salvation Army is the place to go for college students, at least for our two. They love it.
Oren (FOA)
Oren, it's a fine thing that the Salvation Army comes to the college kids wardrobe rescue!
Angie, Yes! St. Vincent dePaul is terrific too. All these places do need our support.
I never thought of regifting that way either! But I do love to give to them--and not torn and dirty stuff, but stuff people can sort thru and use with pride-same with goodwill! :)
Great post!
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