Boy Clothes Galore

Please read the link "Truth about Drop Bins" at this website! T(http://gumdropswap.com). You can swap from anywhere in the US by sending the clothes your kids outgrow to this kids boutique in CT. An option if you want to get some value out of all the money you spent instead of flat out donating. As long your things are in good condition they don't turn down anything because of brand, size or season. They take everything unlike resale store like Once Upon a Child! They give you points to shop on the website and send the clothes that fit your kids. It's great if you don't have time, patience or know how to do consignment, Ebay, craigslist, tag sale, etc.

There are ministry groups that actually use the clothes instead of earn money with the clothes. They used to be called Rescue Missions. In Houston, Star of Hope is one. If you are in a different town, you can ask a church or Christian radio station who are the folks who give the clothes to help people.

freecycle!! go to yahoo.com and open an account (if you don't have one). it only takes abuot 2 minutes. then look under "groups" for freecycle. find a group in your area and join. you can post an "offer", then post "taken" when someone is supposed to pick up. you pick which responder you want to give to, or divide between several, and arrange a time for p/u, and give your address in an email. i usually put things on my front porch in a platic bag with the person's name on it, then they can p/u at their convenience.

I usually drop my son's too-small clothes off at the Star of Hope Shelter for women and children (in Houston, off of 288 @ Yellowstone Blvd.). The items are appreciated and, I'm sure, put to good use. The reason I started taking them there (as opposed to dropping them in the drop boxes like I also used to) is because there, I know that many of the women have escaped abusive family situations with just their kids and the clothes on their backs. Just an idea.

Hi P.

There is an internet community called Freecycle where you can post the things you have and want to give away if you don't want to sell them and someone who needs them will come and pick them up. There is a listing for everycity and I know houston has a large one. The website is Freecyle.org if you want to learn more about it, but it is a way to help recyle things and do your part to help save the earth.

Or you can post the clothes on Craigslist.org if you wish to sell them.

Just a few suggestions from one busy mom to another.

-Cecele D.

Dear P.
Find out where your nearest orphanage is and drop them off there. They will be more than pleased to take the clothing off your hands.
You can phone the police and ask where to find an orphanage or a place of safety.
Alternately, you could give them to your local hospice - they are always looking for goods to sell to fund the hospice.
All the best
Jewel