My five year old son has been cleaning out his room. I was not sure why, but I figured ‘good one less thing I have to get on him about’. He just brought me a box of some toys and had another pile he pointed out to me. He told me he was going to ‘sell them to the peoples who did not have monies to buy their own’. I was floored and confused. I asked him if he meant children and he clarified by telling me the poor children. I asked how much he was going to sell them for. He laughed at me and said they had no quarters and so they could just have them and be happy.
I smiled and turned away to let him finish. I clanked past all the stuff I have always had and never used. This got me thinking how much stuff do we hoard to ourselves and pack in without a single thought of all the people that actually could use the miscellaneous items that we ignore around the house.
I am now some how obligated to follow my sons lead and clear all the things I no longer use out of my house. I will have to go into town anyway to take the things he just separated the things he wants to give to the place that distributes ‘old’ things to those who have less. Maybe we should all take this time to clean up and give to love.
Aww
You're son is so sweet! And I'm glad you're taking cue and getting rid of some of your stuff too! 
We clear out toyboxes, closets. etc quite often. Sis does a lot of parenting groups and they always exchange a lot of clothes. What their kids have outgrown, they send to her, and vice versa. Whatever can't be used by the family that received one shipment or another is then boxed up and sent to goodwill or freecycled.
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I like this idea. I try to think in this way instead of throwing things away after I use them. It always bothers me to drive past a dumpster full of clothes, lamps, and furniture when I know there are others out there that would like to have them.
One thing I used to do when I had a truck was go around and pick up the stuff off the curb to redistribute after move-out week on campus. I told people what I was doing, and they were eager to help. One year I had three truckloads full of stuff. It was really nice to know that these things wouldn't be going in a dump somewhere.
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This is totally awesome that youthought to do that.
I live on a base and they have two neat programs for those that like to reuse stuff or can not afford new things. The lower ranking members usually can not afford things and so they created volunteer opportunities. One is called the airman's attic the other is a thrift store. We also move alot.
Every week, some times twice, a large vehicle (SVU or full size pick-up) comes around with a trailer and picks up the things left behind. They also have drop spots.
The thrift store is a thrift store, duh right.
The Attic is a place were they give free things out. You are allowed three large items, fifteen misc. items, and thirty articles of clothing per year. I have seen couches in good condition, bikes, Kid tables, wagons, a perfectly good pin ball Dora game and the clothes are amazing. Usually the Officers get ride of their really awesome expensive stuff so that the broke ariman can live better and debt free. This is my favorite example of team work.
I have volunteered there a few times but with school and the kids and not free child care I had to stop.
To being involved.
~T
A nation of well informed men who have been taught to know and prize the rights which God has given them cannot be enslaved. It is in the region of ignorance that tyranny begins. ~Benjamin Franklin
That sounds like a cool idea. I've always wanted to open a thrift store. I'd like to have a store where everything is 50 cents, regardless of what it is. like-new couch? 50 cents. Crusty Christmas ornament that nobody wants? 50 cents. Of course, it would have to be run by volunteers to stay around.
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That's so heartwarming to hear! I think teenagers often forget how necessary it is to help others...I look at my high school as an example. Everyone's so obsessed with themselves, it's disgusting! I hope there are many more kids like your son who are ready to lend a hand!
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