You may think it is easier to just throw their old or lightly used items away instead of donating them. It often seems like the process of donating clothing items, electronics or even office furnishings to charity is too cumbersome or time consuming for individuals — or for your small business.
However, organizing and planning for a charitable donation drive isn’t as difficult as you might think with a bit of help, suggests GreenDrop, an East Coast company that collects lightly used clothing and other denotable items on behalf of charities.
The Business of Collecting Donations for Charity Organizations
GreenDrop, the brainchild of Chris Stinnett, a 42-year-old entrepreneur, says it offers donors a fast and convenient way to donate products. The company collects donated products that are then sold at thrift stores. The funds raised are used to promote the programs of such charitable organizations as the American Red Cross, the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the National Federation of the Blind.
“With multiple channels for donations, donors have the option of visiting one [of] our drive-up locations or scheduling a pickup from their home. Either way, the GreenDrop team handles all the logistics and heavy lifting,” explains Samantha Kresz, community marketing coordinator at GreenDrop, on the GreenDrop Official Blog.
Benefits of Organizing Donation Drives
According to Kresz, if the ease of charitable giving isn’t enough to sway you, there are a number of other benefits donating also creates:
Donations are tax-deductible: When you donate to GreenDrop, you get a tax-receipt from the charity of your choosing.
Help the environment: Donating items you no longer need keeps them from ending up in a landfill.
Keep your home (and office) organized: Donating helps clear the clutter from your life!
Help victims of disasters: Donated items are converted into funds that help in disaster relief.
As for heavily worn or damaged donated products, they are usually recycled and used to manufacture new goods, adds GreenDrop on its website.