ThuRs Recycle and Reuse

Do you have a prom dress hanging around and are wondering what to do with it?
There may be a Fairy Godmother near you who will match your dress to the perfect Cinderella.

Fairy Godmothers, Inc. was founded in 2002 by Joyce Jesko in Pennsylvania. The concept has grown and there are other Fairy Godmother chapters and sister organizations throughout the U.S. Contact your nearest location to donate prom dresses and accessories.

Do you know a young lady whose family is hurting in this economy? Let them know where and when the dress fair will be held.

For Columbus, Ohio readers, Fairy Godmothers will accept prom dresses year round at the Talbots at Worthington Square Mall. They also are looking for strappy shoes (larger sizes preferably), jewelry, purses and wraps.

Then, the Cinderella’s Boutique will open April 10 and April 17 at the Worthington Mall located at the corner of Rt. 23 (High Street) and Wilson Bridge Roads, just south of I-270. Operation hours follow the operation hours of the mall. For more information, call: (614) 799-9280 or email the Fairy Godmothers at FairyGoodmothers@columbus.rr.com.

Only High School Juniors and Seniors are eligible to receive a free prom dress from The Cinderella’s Boutique. The student will fill out a short application and provide proof that they are a current student (valid student ID card, driver’s license, or report card.) Then a personal “Godmother” will help the student find the perfect prom dress.

Donating finery, spreading the word, or volunteering as a personal shopping assistant are all ways that you can be involved and make a very special dream come true.

More posts in this series:

• On Being Content and Giving Away the Excess - February 26, 2010
• Recycle and Reuse Toys - March 4, 2010
• ThuRsday Recycle and Reuse: Prom Dresses - March 11, 2010

ThuRsday Recycle and Reuse: Prom Dresses is a post from Organized for Life - . Copyright © Organized For Life, LLC, 2009. All Rights Reserved.

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• Recycle and Reuse Toys Often children outgrow toys that are still good. Parents can...

Meaning : I can’t part with it while it has utility. I invested money and energy into this.

Sadly, the gaggle of what is only “good” – whether that is information, possessions, intentions, pursuits, or desires – disguises and crowds out THE BEST until we can’t distinguish what THE BEST is anymore.

Does that statement sound too philosophical to be practical? Think about clothing in your closet or dresser as an example. How many are clothes you used to love that either don’t fit, are too ragged/faded from use, need alterations or repair, or are simply out of style? Odds are you will never wear them again, but they are “too good to give/throw away!”

When you look for something to wear, those leftovers are in the way, confusing your choices and slowing you down. What if you kept only the clothes that you wear constantly and make you feel great about yourself? You could shop your closet much more effectively and be more confident in your appearance every day.

Credit: Supagroova/flickr

Now think of that area in your life that is bugging you and seems overwhelming. In the same way, is there physical or mental clutter that is blocking your progress and success? These questions may help clarify your thinking:

What represents THE BEST for you in this area? Hint: What do you want to see in 10 years?

What things and attitudes do not support THE BEST for you? Will you have the courage to let go?

What three actions can you take to pursue THE BEST? Pick one. Start doing that today.

Is there someone who has experience in this area from whom you can learn? Don’t think you have to do it all yourself. Surround yourself with a supportive team. Trade time with a friend who can help you with something you aren’t good at and vice versa. Call in an expert to get you started.

Don’t let what is good rob you of THE BEST!

Are Good Things Crowding Out THE BEST? is a post from Organized for Life - . Copyright © Organized For Life, LLC, 2009. All Rights Reserved.

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ThuRs Recycle and Reuse

Often children outgrow toys that are still good. Parents can check twice a year just before Christmas and the child’s birthday to see if they are ready to part with a few things. Sometimes the hint that new toys will arrive soon makes kids more willing to let go.

Gently used toys, newer video-game units with non-violent games, and clean plush animals will be welcomed by a women’s shelter or homeless shelter. Senior centers can use Beanie Babies for bingo prizes. The Salvation Army and Goodwill still accept toys that are intact and in good condition.

There are also a few groups that specifically ask for stuffed animals that are clean and in good repair.

Police units may keep small plush animals (less than 21″) on hand to help calm children found in traumatic situations. Check with your local law enforcement agency about their policy.

SAFE – Stuffed Animals For Emergencies sends plush toys around the world.

We collect various items such as stuffed animals, toys, books and baby blankets to benefit children during emergency situations such as fires, illness, accidents, neglect, abuse, homelessness and even weather emergencies such as tornadoes, floods and hurricanes. We also donate the items we receive to other children’s organizations, military organizations, libraries and even nursing homes.

SAFE is now collecting specifically for U.S. deployed troops in Afghanistan and Iraq as well for children in Haiti. Email Jennifer at  jenalloy15 at gmail dot com for drop-off points in Ohio.

Beanies for Baghdad is another group that collects Beanie Babies, school supplies, and toys that are then distributed by soldiers in Iraq.

Most people don’t know what to do with their Beanies anymore and this organization has been sending Beanies overseas to Iraq and Afghanistan for seven years! The troops use the Beanies to help develop relationships with the people in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as to put a smile on the face of a child who probably has never had a stuffed animal of their own.

Cash donations are also accepted to help with shipping costs.

A toy that is still in the original box is welcomed by the Marine Corps Toys for Tots.  The toys are then distributed at Christmas to low income families.

It is never too early to have children experience the thrill of giving. Knowing that another child doesn’t have toys can become a lesson in thankfulness as well.

More posts in this series:

• On Being Content and Giving Away the Excess - February 26, 2010
• Recycle and Reuse Toys - March 4, 2010
• ThuRsday Recycle and Reuse: Prom Dresses - March 11, 2010

Recycle and Reuse Toys is a post from Organized for Life - . Copyright © Organized For Life, LLC, 2009. All Rights Reserved.

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Topps 2010 Baseball Cards

It is possible that your interests simply have changed and you have outgrown that pursuit or hobby. Do you ever read the first half of a book and decide you learned all you wanted to on that particular topic?  The same can happen with any interest.  There is nothing wrong with deciding to change direction or to learn a new skill. Like the book, a hobby or activity can be set aside and the materials given to another avid follower.

Do not allow that stalled project to rule your emotions or take up precious space.

If you truly want to pursue a past activity when your time is freer, box up the project materials and store in a remote location. That will clear both your mind and your space of extraneous clutter. All your materials will be intact when you are ready to begin anew (or to gladly pass it all on to a grateful friend.)

No guilt or regret need apply!

What to Do About the Hobby I Used to Be Passionate About? is a post from Organized for Life - . Copyright © Organized For Life, LLC, 2009. All Rights Reserved.

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What a convicting statement for us in the U.S. who have more than we need! Are we happy with simple food, shelter and clothing, or do we find ourselves looking for the latest great thing? What hole are we trying to fill with this excess? When does contentment kick in?

ThuRs Recycle and Reuse

Professional organizers usually are called in to work with folks who have too much “stuff.” Many times we find that this excess is choking our client and must be cut down a bit. As a result, we are always looking for people and places that will either recycle or route used goods to people who need them.

I want to pass the resources I have found on to my readers. I am starting a series of “ThuRs Recycle and Reuse” posts to do just that.

Letting go of belongings you don’t need or love is a great way to help someone else. It feels good, too! Next Thursday will be the first installment on recycling toys.

More posts in this series:

• On Being Content and Giving Away the Excess - February 26, 2010
• Recycle and Reuse Toys - March 4, 2010
• ThuRsday Recycle and Reuse: Prom Dresses - March 11, 2010

On Being Content and Giving Away the Excess is a post from Organized for Life - . Copyright © Organized For Life, LLC, 2009. All Rights Reserved.

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• Recycle and Reuse Toys Often children outgrow toys that are still good. Parents can...
• Clear the Clutter: Gaining From Letting Go (Part 2 of 3) The era we grew up in has a profound influence...
• Benefits of Downsizing BEFORE You Have to Move Should I keep Aunt Agatha’s prized gravy boat and platter?...

Recently I was working de-cluttering a client’s closet when she pulled out several hangers in plastic bags and said, “Martha, you will enjoy looking at these.” She proceeded to explain to me that her mother had saved several special pieces of clothing from when she was a young girl growing up in Deadwood, SD.

My client is a very youthful 93 years old. That meant that these were 1930’s fashions! Perhaps it is my love of fabric, or of history, but each piece was unique and elegant.

We decided to see if the clothing would be of interest to the OSU Textile and Costume Department. Gayle S. said they were swamped with donations at the moment and referred us to the Adams House Museum in Deadwood.

Arlette H, the curator there, was thrilled with the prospect of receiving the historical donation! Since my client’s family was well known in the legal profession, Arlette recognized the name. I’m sure that made the discovery even more valuable to the town’s history.

This is a synopsis of the clothing items we mailed to the museum in Deadwood:

• A “swing” dress of colorful silk with a flare skirt that my client wore in High School when she danced to big band sounds in neighboring towns of Leed and Silverfish.
• The two-piece lace and wool dress that she was wearing when she competed in oratory contest at the state level.
  
• A “reddin” coat and dress set of peach knit with trapunto accents.
• The grey silk blouse with hand sewn buttonholes and shirring that completed a suit.
  
• Finally, my client pulled out a faux fur coat made of a long, curly brown fur that I found later was carakul or Persian Lamb imitation.

This story means a lot to me because we were able to find a place that would value and care for these unique items. My client was so pleased and relieved to know that the clothing would be displayed for others to enjoy.

Perhaps you have held onto something that you feel is unique and valuable. My suggestions to you are:

1. Brainstorm about the interest angle a particular group of people or organization might have in that slice of history.

2. Do some research on where, when and how these items came into your possession.

3. Contact two or more schools, museums, or organizations with a description of the items and some of the historical significance – the “stories” behind the things.

4. Send digital images to highlight the unique qualities of each piece.

5. Be ready to make a donation of value to benefit others unless the item(s) are extremely rare and costly.

This is one of the more enjoyable parts of my job… discovering buried treasure to share with others.

What are You Holding Onto That Belongs in a Museum? is a post from Organized for Life - . Copyright © Organized For Life, LLC, 2009. All Rights Reserved.

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• How should I answer that email?
• What is the best place to keep this so I can find it again?
• Where can I put this so I will not forget to RSVP?
• Which of these projects should I work on first?
• Should I mail this now or wait?
• Who can I give this to who might appreciate it or actually use it?

The pile of things to do grows each time I don’t make a decision on how to deal with that item, email, or piece of paper. That is clutter, the result of my postponed decisions. In addition to physical clutter, my brain sends messages reminding me of those things still to take care of , producing mental clutter!

It helps to envision myself as a baseball player up to bat. The ball (a decision to make) comes my way. I can choose to do something with that pitch or let it go by for “ball one.”

The team manager (me again) reminds me that I get three strikes before I am OUT. I encourage myself to take a stab at the next ball (decision.) I may connect the first time. I tell myself to do it NOW!

I may make a few mistakes. I may flub a few decisions the first time. But I  learn more from the mistakes than from making no decisions at all. The best part is – the piles of clutter are disappearing little by little. Hooray!

Making Clutter Decisions – Swing, Batter! is a post from Organized for Life - . Copyright © Organized For Life, LLC, 2009. All Rights Reserved.

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