Judy often asks me how I come up with the ideas for the newsletter, so I will let you in on my little secret. My inspiration comes from suggestions by a colleague, a question from a customer, an article I have read, or a new product. If inspiration does not come I will turn to the Days of the Year website. This website has compiled all the wacky “national” days, such as French Fry Day (July 13) Grand Marnier Day (July 14). This week one day stood out and it had nothing to do with food or alcohol. The day was celebrated on July 15, but I think it is something we should celebrate every day.
National Give Something Away Day was introduced in 2015 as a way to spur those of us who have plenty to donate to those who do not. Did you know that the average home has over 300,000 items in it and that 32% of households with a double garage can only park one vehicle, due to stuff!
The obvious way to celebrate this day is to go through your closets and cupboards and make and donation to your local second-hand store, but I think there are other ways to celebrate which not only will empty your home but will enrich your community.
Go through your craft, party, wrapping supplies; even your junk drawer and make art packages for the neighborhood kids.
Do you have old blankets or duvets? Give them a good washing and find a local rescue shelter to donate them to, the kitties and puppies will thank you.
Do you have extra gardening supplies? Check with your neighbors or a community garden to see what they need. I know I would love a watering can.
Do you have carpentry skills and love to read? Build a tiny library for your front yard and fill it with books. The one in my neighborhood is so well used a path is being worn to it.
Don’t have a place for a tiny library? Donate your books and DVDs to a Senior Center.
Do you have a bountiful garden? Too many veggies to eat? Share with those you love. Don’t forget “sneak zucchini on your neighbor’s porch day” is August 8th.
We all have that bottle of wine we don’t know what to do with. Wrap it up and drop it off anonymously at a friend’s, it is sure to brighten their day.
Create a giving box. Prior to a birthday or other celebration, bring out the giving box and encourage your children to select unwanted items to place in the box for donation. This is a great way to teach giving and declutter at the same time.
Sporting equipment takes up a lot of room, so go through things, find those items which have been gently used and still have a lot of life left and donate them to a local organization such as Sport Central.
Start a Buy Nothing Group. For more information on this amazing program visit the Buy Nothing Organization website.
Giving has so many benefits, do only does it brighten someone else’s day but it reduces stress and creates a sense of freedom for the giver. Spruce Grove is an amazing community and by practicing giving we can make it even better.