There are many ways to help the world you live in become a better place. It can be as simple as recycling your glass and plastic at the end of every month or promoting a local restaurant that just opened up. It can be as easy as adopting a dog at the shelter or buying a drink from a kid’s lemonade stand. The sky’s the limit for all the ways you can brighten someone’s day and nowhere is that more evident than the benefits that come with American Red Cross donations — from furniture to clothing, a single donation can see you supporting your local community, the country at large and even the environment. If it sounds too good to be true, worry not. Below is a basic list on American Red Cross donations, who they benefit and how they work for everyday people.
How Can I Help People?
Did you know that Americans consume nearly 20 billion garments per year? That’s the equivalent of 68 garments and seven pairs of shoes per person or one piece of purchased clothing per week! According to the EPA, Americans will throw away an average of 10 pounds of clothes per person every year. The United States is a massive country, after all, and everyone is constantly growing out of their wardrobe or seeing their tastes evolve over the years. Studies have shown 70% of people in the United States donating to charity every year, totaling to 3% of overall American income. Can you help make this number higher?
Where Are The Environmental Benefits?
If you’re wanting to become more eco-friendly, you won’t go wrong with American Red Cross donation. A significant portion of discarded clothes and furniture go to landfills, which are notoriously damaging on the environment due to their emitting waste and taking up valuable space. For 24 hours per day and 365 days per year the American Red Cross provides constant relief to families and communities all over the world, in the form of blankets, food, blood donations and shelter. Keeping the environment healthy and happy helps everyone in the long run.
What Other Positives Come From Donating?
Good things just keep on giving. Thanks to American Red Cross donations, this has never been easier. The majority of donations are tax-deductible and can be written on your tax form every year, so be sure to keep those receipts when you bundle up those old sweaters or toss out that couch you’ve been meaning to get rid of. Tax-deductible donations of clothing and household items collected by organizations such as the Purple Heart are sold to charities and thrift stores across the country. The year 2015 saw charity proceeds from the sale of donated goods at thrift stores exceeding a stunning $2 million, adding up to much-needed local and nationwide support.
Why Should I Clear Up My Home?
Psychological studies have shown clutter to be a negative element in many people’s lives, so much so there are entire fields dedicated to the art of maintaining a harmonious and appealing space! Unchallenged clutter can cause concentration issues, irritability, sleeping issues and even symptoms of depression. Likewise, a clean and happy environment boosts your emotional health and can make it easier to function in the day-to-day. Eyeballing that crowded closet or cramped living room? It’s never been a better time to spruce up and donate clothing!
How Do I Get Started?
Donations are necessary year-round and everybody stands to benefit. Got some clothes that no longer fit? Bundle them up and send them to your nearest clothing donation center. No longer wanting that side-table? There’s a family out there more than willing to take it off your hands. You’ll get tax-deductible receipts to go on your next tax return, you’ll keep landfills small and, most of all, you’ll be giving back to your local community. If you find your schedule is too packed for a trip, fear not — the majority of charity organizations offer free clothing donation pickup services, as easy as giving them a call with easy-to-follow directions. American Red Cross donations rely on the kindness and ambition of everyday people like yourself.
