January 1 always brings about plenty of talk about “starting fresh.” And spring is a popular time for cleaning house. But for me, and I suspect many moms, the start of a new school year signals a new beginning. With children now occupied from roughly 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., I have more time (and a clear head) to set goals for my writing business, review family finances, plan upcoming travel (of course!), and purge closets of outgrown, rarely worn clothing. I know I’m not the only mom out there to relish this time simply to get organized!
Fall also brings annual super-duper travel-blogger fundraiser Passports with Purpose. Last year travel bloggers worked together to raise enough money to build a school in Cambodia; this year the goal is to raise $50,000 to build an entire village in India. The Vacation Gals will have more details forthcoming about this awesome collaboration — including the specific prizes we’re “hosting” in the raffle giveaway — but in the meantime, I encourage you to learn more about Passports with Purpose (check out this thorough post by Chris Gray Faust) and consider getting involved.
If you’re like me — with a little more time on your hands while kids are in school and not underfoot — here are some more nifty, nationwide opportunities for you to give to charity this fall, without even opening your pocketbook for cash donations:
Men’s Wearhouse National Suit Drive: Through September 30, bring your gently used men’s or women’s professional attire to any one of the more than 1,000 Men’s Wearhouse locations nationwide. Clothing items, such a suits, dress slacks, shirts and shoes, plus accessories like ties, are given to local charities that help dress low-income (or no-income) job seekers who are striving for self sufficiency. (Women’s professional dress clothes are welcome, too.) You receive a tax receipt from the nonprofit organization accepting your donation and a 25-percent-off coupon for your next purchase at Men’s Wearhouse.
Knots of Love: If you’re a knitting type, and like to keep your hands busy on the plane (or during soccer practices), consider making caps for people who are suffering from the effects of chemotherapy and other life-threatening illnesses. Knots of Love volunteers knit or crochet more than 3,000 caps a month, which are shipped to 239 cancer treatment centers, hospitals and oncology offices throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Club GoBeDo Shoe Drive: Get your children involved collecting shoes for orphans in need. The goal is to get 100,000 American children to donate 100,000 pairs of shoes to other children all over the world. One nifty way to do just that: encourage your children’s birthday-party guests to bring shoes, instead of a gift for the birthday child with this nifty invitation. (Love this idea!)
I love the idea of helping charities. I especially like the idea of getting my kids involved with a charity drive. Thanks for the post.