Wow! There really is NEED out there!

[Trailrider1951]

I have lost 30 lbs over the last year, and I decided to give away all my now too-big clothing. So, instead of donating it to one or more of the thrift corporations, I posted an ad on craigslist.org for free xl and xxl women's clothing. I received over 70 e-mails since 4:30 yesterday afternoon. It was hard to choose, as some wrote some very heart-wrenching stories. I chose one of the first to e-mail me. She explained that she had left her husband, and had to leave nearly everything behind. Thirty years ago I was in a similar predicament, and people came to my aid. Now I am paying it forward. So, here is the point of this post: If you have some clothing or furniture or other useful items that you no longer need, why not give them directly to someone who needs them? It only takes a few minutes to post to craigslist, and you will be helping someone out instead of feeding the corporate beast. So that's my fyi for today.

[AwakeAtLast]

1. Great idea!

Congratulations on the weight loss! I have lost 25 lbs. since July. Alas, my body structure is of the type that I still can wear my clothes, they are just looser. I am hoping to lose more weight, though, so hopefully I can donate sometime in 2010.

May I ask how you lost weight? Mine came from a combination of extreme marital, family and occupational stress, plus a nasty virus and pneumonia added in for good measure. I'm not advocating that route to anyone, LOL!

[Shagbark Hickory]

2. Or maybe it's just corporations posing as needy people.

At least the needy people managed to get out of the house with their computers and internet connections.

[rubberducky]

3. Even needy people have to have SOMETHING in thier life which gives them

happiness and a reason to face each new day, be that the internet, cable, or whatever is not for anyone else to decide for them.

[Shagbark Hickory]

11. You're missing the point. People that don't have a pot to piss in, don't have computers or internet!

These are most likely consignment shops or people that need merchandise for a yard sale.

[shraby]

7. Some might be using the library for internet.

[Trailrider1951]

4. I lost the weight by making some changes

in my diet: more salads with low fat dressing and less pasta, potatoes, and bread. I'm also a vegetarian, so no meat, and I cut way back on my cheese intake. Also, a mile and a half walk nearly every day helps to burn the calories I do eat.

As far as the corporate question goes, why does everyone have to make a buck (or more) on every freakin thing??? I could have sold those clothes at a yard sale, but I CHOSE to give them away. Most people who give away clothing and other items donate them to one of the larger thrift store chains. Why? Why not cut out the (for profit or non-profit) middleman and give them directly to the person who will put them to use? It seems like a no-brainer to me.

[FarLeftFist]

5. People like you make society a better place to live.

[lapislzi]

6. Great tip, thanks

I lost 50 lbs. I'm sure there are people who would like my barely-worn (and expensive) fat girl jeans. Should I keep one pair just in case?

[tech9413]

8. I did the same thing on freecycle a few years ago

Half of my closet was filled with my ex's clothes and if I was going to give them away, I wanted to be sure they went to someone who needed them. I got lucky and found a young expectant mother who just didn't have the money to buy a new wardrobe. The smile on her face was all the reward you could ask for.

[phasma ex machina]

9. Helping others seems to give far more to the helper than the helpee. :)

[DesertRat]

10. That's a great idea

I've lost weight this year too and I've been giving my clothes to my local Goodwill. I know that they do good work in our community by providing jobs and assistance for those in need.
I've also found also found some good deals there myself.

Congrats on the weight loss!

[roguevalley]

12. awesome post, trailrider. you get back what you give out. happy new

year starting with kindness. HUGS!

[malaise]

13. Fabulous idea

Happy New Year

[MrsCorleone]

14. Fantastic idea! Thanks. nt

[thotzRthingz]

15. the "universe" will never forget your kindness...

and your suggestion about using "craigslist" is kewl as well.

And just to reemphasize tech9413's point (in case some are unaware of its existence) ... another way to dispose of ANYTHING (and I do mean anything) UNWANTED is to use FREECYCLE.ORG ( http://www.freecycle.org/faq/?menu=faq )

Instead of "throwing away" (to our land fills) such things as Clothing, Furniture, Household Items, Cars, Boats, etc. etc. etc. ... list them with FREE-CYCLE! And yes, this does mean it MUST BE FREE (whether giving it away, or picking it up).