The packages are piling up underneath the tree. Yoga pants, makeup, jewelry, technology, and many other kinds of things wrapped in beautiful paper and decorated with shiny bows. Every time that you walk by the tree you are overwhelmed by the number of presents that you have purchased for your two daughters this year. And while you always made sure that every purchase that you made was on sale, you admit that you are a truly blessed family. So blessed, in fact, that you understand the responsibility that you have to those less fortunate. As a result, you are going to make sure that in the days leading up to Christmas that your daughters spend some serious time going through their closets, dressers, and drawers.

It has been awhile, but you are determined that this weekend will include some time looking for items that you can give to veterans donations centers or to other local charities. From the overflowing number of shoes that they each have to the jeans that they have not worn in days, there are many things that the girls simply no longer use. These items would be far better if they were given to someone who was less fortunate. Someone who wakes up in the morning not wondering which shoes to wear, but if they still have a pair of shoes that will fit.
When Was the Last Time That You Cleaned Your Closet and Made Some Donations?

This is the time of year when veterans donations are especially important. As the temperatures drop in some parts of the country, for instance, it can be a struggle to stay warm. When individuals and families take time to donate hats, gloves, and mittens, those in need can approach each day with new hope. Consider some of these facts and figures about the nonprofit industry and the impact that it has on both individuals who are in need and the nation’s economy:

• Statistics show that many Americans today have far more than what they need. For instance, back in the 1930s the average American woman owned nine outfits. Today, however, that figure is 30 outfits, enough to wear something different every day of the month.
• Every time you make the decision to make charitable clothing donations you help make someone else’s day a little easier.
• A choice to make charitable donations means that you are taking the time to step outside of your own protected world and consider those who are in greater need.
• Some veterans donations help people who have given part of their lives to protect the country.
• One statistic indicates that the average American purchases 10 pounds of previously used clothing each year in America, an indication that the nation as a whole is making some progress.
• No one in America should be hungry and cold when there are so many who have so much.






• Over 2 million tons of clothing and textiles were recycled or donated to charity in the U.S. in the year 2011.
• Finding places that collect veterans donations should not be a challenge, especially because many of these groups will even pick up the donations at your door.






• Gifts to nonprofits are tax deductible for the value of the items that are donated.
• In the year 2007, an estimated $5.8 billion worth of clothing related donations were made to charity foundations in America.
• Veterans charities help the families of those people who have given the most to this country.
• If every American recycled just 10% of their newspapers, the nation could save about 25 million trees each year. It is also possible to save many other materials by recycling the unused and unworn textiles that we have in our homes.
• Now is the time to make a difference in someone else’s life.
• Giving, instead of getting, is a noble holiday goal this time of year.

In this SEASON OF GIVING it is important that you remember to give to those who are really in need, instead of just giving to those in your own family. If you already have all of the presents purchased for your family members, perhaps it is time to make sure that you spend some time going through your closet and look for items that you no longer use, but could be very valuable to someone else.