With the economy still in the dumpster, a record number of Americans searching for work, and people pinching pennies to make ends meet, it may be hard to fathom that there are individuals financially worse off than you.
As the sun dips below the horizon on the last day of 2011, now is a good time to assess what you really have. In all likelihood you have an abundance of material possessions, some of which can help improve your financial situation. If you are in need of quick cash, go through your closets and garage and see what items you can sell at consignment shops, on eBay or Craigslist. If you find that you have even more items that you don’t really need, consider donating them to charity.
Toys are some of the best items to donate. Instead of throwing them away or leaving them in a closet to collect dust, why not pass them on to an organization that can help get them into the hands of kids who will put them to good use. By doing so, not only will you reduce clutter in your home, you’ll also receive a valuable tax deduction.
Fortunately, there are many nonprofit organizations that accept toy donations. In Addition to Goodwill and the Salvation Army, places like the Ronald McDonald House also take gently used toys. The Ronald McDonald House is a place that provides shelter for families who have to travel away from home to seek medical treatment for a sick child. Family members, who stay at the Ronald McDonald House, have access to a playroom which is filled with donated toys. Likewise, women’s shelters, which house moms and children who have fled abusive homes, also use donated toys to stock their rooms. The toys serve as a great distraction for children who are starting to heal in a safe place.