Gonna just toss this out for some ideas... need some help....

[JanMichael]

We were out walking the dog tonight, and some neighbors had put some trash out....in the trash, we found a set of four seriously cute Williams Sonoma Christmas-y (snowy scenes) heavy mugs, two really nice planters? Maybe? not sure...a really good pair of women's gloves that are brand name (looked them up on Google...they sell for 19 bucks)

Then, one block down....a great wooden hat rack.

Brought home the gloves, and mugs...... might go back for the rest....

Now..here's the issue: How do we get these to folks who might like them to brighten up their homes who might not have much money for stuff like this?

I really wish we could start a "Digger Free Store." Don't know how.

I am not interested in Craigslist, or Freecycle. Sorry. I think it's a neat concept...but, we would like this stuff (and other stuff) I didn't list to go to folks that might not have a computer....

[babylonsister]

1. How about a local job or food bank? They might be able

to direct you. Or maybe a women's shelter? I know there are orgs. out there who would love to avail themselves of your generosity.

[JanMichael]

2. That's what we are thinking

but, thinking that a organization that deals with families might really like this stuff...here's the deal: There's a TON more where this came from.

[babylonsister]

8. A friend of mine's mom started 'Peite's Pantry'. She

collects food from her generous neighbors every week and delivers it to the food bank. You could get the message out to your neighbors and have a weekly pick up point, like she does. Also, I bet there are churches out there that might be interested.

And btw, Peite is 84! :)

[flvegan]

3. Every usable thing that I donate goes to The Spring, a local battered women's shelter.

They either give them to women who are starting their lives over after having to flee their abusive mates, or they sell them in their thriftstore to fund their programs.

Maybe you can find a like charity or program that does the same for something you're passionate about. And good for you for thinking of others. You're a good person (I already knew that, but still bears mentioning).

[Liberal_in_LA]

4. great idea

[david13]

5. I'm thinking thrift store or goodwill, I don't know the names of the

other organizations. They sell it, to pay the employees (not much) and to pay for the building, usually an old one. But the prices are low and that way the people can shop for what they might want.
Otherwise, clubs, churches, or any other place where there are a lot of people. Yard or garage sales.
Various organizations hold those, you pay a fee for an area, and you can bargain and let those items go to someone who wants them for just a little money. Or free if you want.
dc

[JanMichael]

6. Free

;)

We are trying to figure out how to get really nice "stuff" to people who can use it. It's not about money; it's about redistribution of nice "stuff."

[niyad]

12. as others have pointed out, find a local group that shares your passions, and check with them

my first choice is always a women's shelter. locally, here, we also have "one nation walking together" which takes things to the reservations. I split my donations between them.

You, like all the DU'ers who responded to OneGrassRoots last night, are wonderful examples of just how good DU can be, and I thank you.

[JanMichael]

14. Awwww thank you!

I just see so much stuff that the rich "throw away" ( in this case, literally ) and I want to figure out how to redistribute it-

[david13]

17. Yeah. But the idea of the money is that then ... you know you are

dealing with someone who wants the thing. Then ... you can give it to them for free.
dc

[G_j]

7. Bring back the Diggers!

works for me
:applause:

[JanMichael]

13. HAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHA

You know what???!!! I should have KNOWN you would post! That is soooo what I am thinking...how to bring back the Diggers...good, homemade nutrious bread! The Free Store....

Man, I am so into this!

The mugs are staring at me....

I just need some help-

[G_j]

16. I agree

free stores! They did it, it can be done again.
Or get a permit (if possible) to lay down some blankets, and set stuff out for an afternoon. It's hard to say, they give Food Not Bombs a lot of trouble, but there are 'food' issues there.
An actual store would be great.
It could be a co-op.

[supernova]

9. Hrmm.. local flea market?

You could set up a booth and give stuff away?

Is there something like a PTA thrift store you could

It's pretty tough to think of venues now that don't involve the internet.

[JanMichael]

11. I know, isn't it?

We want to be off the net.

In person. Meeting people, and getting involved.

And in the meantime, the "stuff" is piling up ;0

[Curmudgeoness]

10. How about seeing if the food bank would let you put a little table

there, with a sign that says "free if you can use it".

Also, lots of charities in this area have yard sales to raise $$$. They always need donations.

And I just LOVE your thinking.

[rug]

15. Funny you should mention this.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x8958249