Donating to Non-Profits

Last June I began working at Mutual Ground in the position of Volunteer Administrator. One very large part of this role is working with in-kind donations. These donations come from families, individuals, civic and church groups, etc. The types of donations we get differ widely, from diapers and snack foods to broken cell phones and running shoes. The one constant of each of these donations is they are given to us by someone with the best of intentions.  Everyone who gives hopes that their donation is being used to help the life of someone else. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Bags full of stained or torn clothing can take a lot of time to sort through. Donations of expired can goods need to be tossed. Half-empty bottles of shampoo or lotion can make the receiver (the individual running away from an abusive situation) feel even less worthy.

My advice to anyone interested in donating to a charity is to check out the organization’s website prior to donating to see what they are accepting and not accepting. You’d be surprised that some items like broken cell phones or glasses are accepted by some organizations who are in a program to receive reimbursement for these items.

I am so grateful to be working for an organization that has been improving the lives of others for many years. Mutual Ground’s reputation for living out its mission daily has made us a favorite among many people.  Thus, it is never hard to find the volunteers we need for our projects and events; and it is never hard to find generous donors to help fill in the gaps of areas we are in need. I thank them all from the bottom of my heart for making my job easy and one that I love!

To see what Mutual Ground’s current donation criteria are, or to see our Wish List items, visit: www.mutualground.org

Written by
Krystyna Sarrazin
Volunteer Administrator at Mutual Ground

For information on making a donation to Mutual Ground, visit our Donation Page.