Have a Heart

Let's assume for the moment that you CAN bear to give things away.  Maybe after cleaning out a few drawers or shelves you have some things in good condition that you know you can't use.  It would be kind, after all, to let other people use them .

If you don't have a charity of choice to give them to, may I suggest a charity that makes your life a lot easier?  

My mother always gave things to Purple Heart, so there's a little sentiment involved.   Remember when the little old ladies used to call on the telephone and say something like, "We're going to have a truck in your neighborhood next Friday.  Do you think you might have some things for us, dearie?"  There was always a term of endearment tacked on to the end of the sentence, spoken in a kind voice by a woman you'd never met.  Who could say no?

I liked that personal touch, but the new system is even more fantastic.  Now, if you live in Maryland at least, click on  www.purpleheartpickup.org.  You put in your zip code, and up pops a list of dates.    You choose the one that is convenient for you, tell them where you are going to leave your items, and choose a donation size.  They will take as little as one box or bag. (They don't take furniture or large items.)   Click on "Schedule a Pickup" and voila! there will be a truck in your neighborhood that day.   You can do this serially, not even waiting for one pick up before you schedule the next.  So you don't have to leave things sitting around for very long.

Purple Heart came yesterday.  This was the pile in the morning.  It grew a bit by the end of the day.

And by the evening, it was all gone.  Now that's my idea of a good time.

I've already scheduled a time for them to come back on Friday.  I think I will have a few more things by then.  I just imagine the kind little lady voice thanking me for my help, and maybe telling me a little bit about her troubles.

You can call me "dearie."