If you are inspired by the New Year, or perhaps determined to reduce some clutter in your home, then I have a resource that I would like to share with you. It is called The Stuff Stop, a free resource website designed to direct you to places where you can donate usable discards. You can search by either location or type of item and find a description of the organization, what they accept and where they are located. Check out www.TheStuffStop.com next time you want to donate your excess stuff!
In the spirit of reducing unwanted holiday items, I have chosen three organizations which The Stuff Stop lists in the Bay Area to donate holiday decorations, party supplies, paper and craft supplies.
The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse
The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse is “an ecological treasure trove of arts & crafts materials, educational supplies, vintage furniture, home décor, paper goods, fabric and much more. The East Bay Depot strives to divert waste materials from landfills by collecting and redistributing discarded goods as low-cost supplies for art, education and social services in their Depot Store.” They are located at 4695 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA 94609.
RAFT: Resource Area For Teaching
RAFT “serves educators who teach in the classroom, in afterschool programs, camp programs, scouting and homeschooling. They provide creative ideas, affordable project materials, pre-packaged activity kits, one-on-one mentoring and professional development for educators who believe in the power of hands on teaching.” RAFT will accept arts and crafts items tools or equipment, balloons, fabric, foam core, office supplies, paper, party and event supplies, scissors, twine, etc. Click here for their drop-off locations.
SCRAP: Scrounger’s Center for Reusable Art Parts
SCRAP is a “non-profit creative reuse center, materials depot, and workshop space. They breathe new life into old objects and reduce waste by diverting over 200 tons of materials heading to landfill every year. Quality reusable materials are collected and then made available to teachers, parents, artists and other organizations.” SCRAP will accept arts and crafts Items, paper, toys and office supplies. They are located in San Francisco; click here for address and directions.
This is just a sampling of the listings on The Stuff Stop’s website. Check it out, just to get an idea of the wide variety of donation categories and locations they include.
Maureen DeGarmo 