Out with the Old...

Guest Post By:

Samanth Martin, BGCC Intern

Spring has officially sprung! It is definitely noticeable in the weather, the blooming tulips and… your closet?

Spring is the sign of new life and new beginnings; the flora and fauna return and our beautiful Northeast Ohio is alive again after a treacherous winter. Along with this rebirth comes our own need for “out with the old, in with the new.” That’s right; I’m talking about spring cleaning.

It’s a process many of us go through every year; some despise it and others enjoy every minute of it. Whatever your case may be, it is undeniable that spring cleaning is not only rejuvenating, but can also be utilized to help many families and youth in our region.

We are all aware that Cleveland is a needy area. There are people without homes, children without toys, and babies without clothes. When we think of all that we really do have, we all have something to give, right?

Your favorite blouse from five years ago that you just can’t seem to part with, yet never wear? Donate it! That end table sitting in your garage that you just don’t have a use for? Donate it! How about your children’s favorite toys from years ago? Donate them! Bought a new toaster? Don’t throw the old one away—donate it!

So after all that rummaging, you found that you do indeed have some things to donate, but where do you take them? There is a great resource on the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste Management District website. It’s a list of area locations that accept various donations. Each of the donation spots take various items, ranging from clothing to cell phones to toilets! See that list at: http://cuyahogaswd.org/en-US/pass-it-on.aspx

Have any basketballs to donate? Maybe an baseball glove you son didn't want? The Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland are always accepting donations of new and lightly used recreational items. These items are greatly valued by our Club members, who may have never had a glove to play catch with or a basketball to keep them active.

Okay, you’ve searched and cleaned and can’t seem to get rid of ANYTHING? Donate a few extra dollars! The Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland are working hard to bring in 57 new donors of $57 or more in celebration of being a positive place for kids for 57 years! Can't part with $57 at this time? No problem! No amount is too big or small. Make your donation today to start reshaping the lives of Cleveland's youth!

Can’t spare ANY change? Then donate your TIME! Check out www.clevekids.org to see how you can help inspire our youth.

Whether it is shoes and purses or even just few extra minutes on the weekend, we all have too much of something. This springtime, tap into your giving side and donate what you can. There are many families out there who would appreciate things that we may take for granted every day.