Kids Clothing and Toys..

[summermoon]

Just a thought...
I being the psyco packrat I am never got rid of ANYTHING from my daughter. She is now 11! HAHA I have tons of great baby, toddler, kids etc clothes. We have about 45 barbies and more toys than toys- r-us. I really wish that I could find someone to give this stuff to. I know that it is gently used but hey a little girl that has lost her things would love some new to her items. I even have MY stuff from when I was a little girl, if that gives anyone any idea on how well I take care of my things! HAHA I also have lots of womens clothes size 6 to 8 that I can send someone that needs them.... Also baby boy size 12 to 18... Ask around.. they are in wonderful shape. I have lots of friends that want to do the same thing... Kids grow so fast.

[Carolina_survivor]

You might could call local red cross or church or shelters - but I've heard it said often that they don't know how to deal with donations of clothes and such during these sort of disasters. I've heard stories of donated clothes just piling up because the people who have lost everything have no where to put them, no way to transport them. I remember piles and piles of clothes in the shelters here after Floyd; in fact I had donated some myself. But it's really difficult to get the right clothes and the right people togther somehow.

I know a couple of people who worked with disaster recovery in the Punta Gorda area -- they set up a laundry unit where people brought in their own clothes that were damaged. The volunteers washed their things and packed them into white kitchen-sized trash bags. So I guess that's one way for people to salvage what they have.

Probably the best bet is to throw together a quick yard sale with your extra stuff then donate the funds to a disaster recovery agency.

[Betrock]

You might try joining a Freecycle group in your area. If you're willing to ship the items, you might offer them on a Freecycle group in one of the damaged areas.

If you're unfamiliar with Freecycling, go to http://www.freecycle.org and read about the movement. You can then select your region from the left-hand side to see a list of groups by state.

If you need further info, you can contact me.

Betrock
Betrock@yahoo.com

[dirtgirl]

I can't stress enough that you ensure the items are needed and that the recipient agencies have an infrastructure in place to receive, sort, store and distribute the items. Disaster relief agencies always complain that their volunteers and infrastructure become bogged down handling unsoclicited donations & volunteers.

I second the recommendation of looking into freecylce (or holding a yard sale) to get rid of used clothes. It's an unfair burden on the disaster relief process to have them get into the business of sorting & storing old clothes.

here is a set of tips (in pdf) on volunteering & donations from Florida officials:
http://www.floridadisaster.org/eoc/eoc_Activations/Charley04/Reports/DonationPressRel1.pdf

This site tells you where volunteers & donations are needed:
http://www.disasterhelp.net/vflorida

and here is their list of items they say they need:

Volunteer Florida, the Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism & Community Service, in partnership with disaster relief organizations, has established a Regional Relief Center at the Florida Fairgrounds in Tampa to accept donated goods for the hurricane victims.

The Regional Relief Center needs the following items:

Canned Stew
Canned Meat
Canned Vegetables
Canned Fruits
Soups
Peanut Butter and Jelly
Cereal
Rice
Canned Milk and Soy Milk
Sodas, Gator Aid
Juices
Coffee
Breakfast Bars
Coolers
Flashlights
Batteries
Hand Cleaner
Dust Masks
Sun Screen
Insect Repellent
Wasp or Hornet Spray
Plastic sheeting (6 ml)
Tarps
People are encouraged to collect the items on the list, but should check this website regularly as needs change daily. Unsolicited donations, such as used clothing, will not be accepted.

Items should be dropped off at:

Florida Fairgrounds
4800 N US Highway 301
Tampa, Florida 33610

always contact the agency before you bring in items. needs change quickly. money is ALWAYS preferred.

what i suggest is sell your stuff at a garage sale or on ebay, advertising that you are raising money for disaster relief, and give the proceeds to the red cross.

[leeanninfla]

I would like to 2nd this motion. I joined freecycle here in Ft Lauderdale less than a month ago, have been able to give away many items, as well as receive many. So far best find is a dell latitude lm laptop computer. Works great, just needs a new battery, $75. Yesterday my daughter who has been dying for a quitar was able to get a beginner guitar and beginner book. My 14 yo who is in her first year of high school has received clothes 2 times. For every item I pick up, I post 2 to give. Great site.

You might try joining a Freecycle group in your area. If you're willing to ship the items, you might offer them on a Freecycle group in one of the damaged areas.

If you're unfamiliar with Freecycling, go to http://www.freecycle.org and read about the movement. You can then select your region from the left-hand side to see a list of groups by state.

If you need further info, you can contact me.

Betrock
Betrock@yahoo.com

[banshee]

A few years ago I had a problem getting rid of 8 bags of clothes and shoes. I called many agencies including the womens shelter and they all refused them. I finally called the FD down the street and they couldnt get to my house fast enough to get it.

[Pebbles]

Also...children's Homes are always looking for stuff in great condition. If you donate them some boy or girl would much appriciate em

Kids in homes are a special cause with me. If you would like to know any other ways you can help children without families...feel free to PM me.

[summermoon]

Freecycle sounds like a super idea! You can always do a great deed with baby clothing but the sad thing is not every one even at a yard sale for a good cause will do the right thing these days! UGHHHH ! At times I have hosted them people expect you to give them your merchandise and once I promise to god this is true I had someone SHOPLIFT! HAHAHA Can ya believe it!
Two falls ago I lost my home to mold and thankfully I had the majority of my stuff in storage with the exception of my current items. BUT that was what was what I needed most. State farm laughed in my face and I slowly rebuilt and passed down everything that baby boy outgrew. What goes around comes around. People were very good to me even though the items were used I was thankful to get them... I will never forget their kindness, I would love to be able to donate millions but I do what I can. I would love to hear more about freecycle!! Tell me more!

A---

[Persepone]

In general, the public agencies can't deal with clothing, toys, etc. very well.

If you are nearby, you can fill up your car/truck with these items and drive to one of the hardest-hit areas and just hand out stuff... I used to take winter jackets and other kids' clothing into a certain neighborhood and for each jacket about 5 kids got a new jacket, since a new jacket for one kid meant that a smaller kid got his/her current jacket... Things like scarves, hats and gloves made a big difference. The most popular thing I handed out were books! I was known by the kids for the books! Lots of those kids never had "their own" books... You will be able to find recipients for your stuff... and yes, generally they will be the ones who really need the stuff.

Need does not always "show." But random kindness is greatly appreciated...

No, the relief agencies can't deal with handing out clothing and toys, but individuals can... Just park and hand stuff out...