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Spring cleaning and the best new home for the "I still have that?" item.

By
Mortgage and Lending with Bank of Oregon a division of Willamette Valley Bank

A few weeks ago I found myself obsessing with the upstairs linen closet.  I was bound and determined to get it organized as it was looking..well, rather disastrous.  Sheets here, towels there, table linens in a state of disarray.  I really am a very organized person and wasn't sure how my collections of linens got so out of hand.

So, I spent a good portion of a Saturday afternoon, pulling EVERYTHING out of the closet and forming piles on the floor of "keepers", "donates", and "throw aways".  I'm always saving those nifty plastic zippered packages that linens come in, so I was able to reorganize and store things quite nicely.

After I threw away the "throw-ables", I had to decide what to do with the "donates"  I had a few blankets and lightweight bedspreads that really, I would have been too embarrassed to donate to an area shelter or non profit thrift store, as they were pretty frayed.  I did however have a number of sets of sheets, towels and comforters that all went to our local Salvation Army.  

But still, what to do with these few blankets and bedspreads?  It got me to thinking.  Well heck, why can't I share these items with my fellow Southern Oregon residents, but with my fellow 4 legged friends too?  Well, that's exactly what I did.  We had two big bags of blankets and bedspreads that we delivered to the area animal shelter.  THEY WERE THRILLED to get them. 

So, the next time you are doing some cleaning and organizing and are planning on a usual donation, maybe think outside the box as to "who else" could benefit from your previously loved possessions.

 

 

Marge Draper
Keller Williams Realty Palo Alto - Menlo Park, CA
REALTOR, Keller Williams Realty, Menlo Park CA

Brilliant idea!  And what a good excuse to go to the shelter and get a dog or cat fix.  We haven't had a dog for 8 years, and I accost strange people with dogs everywhere I go.  Thank you!  

Mar 09, 2011 11:10 AM
Karen Burket
Bank of Oregon a division of Willamette Valley Bank - Medford, OR
Valley Mortgage Grou, Conventional, FHA, VA, mortgages

Thank you Marge!  As an added bonus, our dear pooch got to "go" to the shelter with us.  He had a grand ol' time rubbing noses through the cages.  :-)  Thanks for stopping by! 

Mar 09, 2011 11:15 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Karen what a really cool thing to do and this would make a fantastic "pay it forward" post.  You should check out that group.  Hope you don't mind the link, but I think you'd enjoy that group.

Mar 09, 2011 11:16 AM
Karen Burket
Bank of Oregon a division of Willamette Valley Bank - Medford, OR
Valley Mortgage Grou, Conventional, FHA, VA, mortgages

Hi Tammy!  Thank you so much!  Actually, the link is VERY much appreciated!  I'm kind of "challenged" in looking for groups so really, thank  you!  

Mar 09, 2011 11:20 AM
Melanie Hedrick
Elite Texas Properties, the best homes from McKinney to Dallas! - McKinney, TX
972-816-7205

That's a great idea -- I confess that I don't usually think of the animal shelters for donations!  I've been doing the spring cleaning in my own home and it feels great.

Mar 10, 2011 03:12 AM
Karen Burket
Bank of Oregon a division of Willamette Valley Bank - Medford, OR
Valley Mortgage Grou, Conventional, FHA, VA, mortgages

Hi Melanie!  I'm with you, that "sprucing up" does feel good, doesn't it!  Best to you!  :-) Karen 

Mar 10, 2011 05:02 AM
Mary Stewart
HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, Homes for Everyone - Wilsonville, OR
Wilsonville and Surrounding Portland Metro Areas

What a fabulous idea to donate the linens like bedspreads, sheets, etc to an animal shelter.  This is what I will do from now on.  We are getting ready for a garage sale toward the end of the month so I have been cleaning out closets over the last few months and gathering "items" I really do not need.  I will be looking for more items perhaps a shelter could use.  Clothing I try to donate (if in good shape) to a women's shelter, they need all they can aget as well.  Great post, thank you for sharing an idea I will use from now on.

Mar 10, 2011 07:20 AM
Karen Burket
Bank of Oregon a division of Willamette Valley Bank - Medford, OR
Valley Mortgage Grou, Conventional, FHA, VA, mortgages

Hi Mary!  I'm glad you enjoyed the post.  And yes, women's shelters are always in need.  Interesting as there is a group once a year here who will collect good clean professional clothing to be donated to "at risk" women, who are trying to re-enter the work force.

Happy cleaning and best to you!

Karen 

Mar 10, 2011 08:12 AM
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

Hi Karen~ My husband decided he wanted to clean out his half our bedroom closet, I decided to join in and before you know it, we decided we should probably have a yard sale!  Whatever we don't sell we usually donate.  Now I'll be thinking about more creative donation solutions!  Thanks!

Mar 10, 2011 10:18 AM
Karen Burket
Bank of Oregon a division of Willamette Valley Bank - Medford, OR
Valley Mortgage Grou, Conventional, FHA, VA, mortgages

Hi Donna!  Glad I could provide an "alternate" idea for you as to who could use a little extra help from us as well.  You are most welcome! 
Best~
Karen

Mar 10, 2011 10:40 AM
Mary M. Kandell
Russell Real Estate Services - Sandusky, OH

Karen,  That is a wonderful idea.  We have a garbage can on wheels in our office and the realtors fill it with paper towels, treats, food, towels litter, etc.  When it's full we donate the can and all to our local shelter.  It's a way to get others involved.  You are definitely an "outside the box" thinker.  Loved your post

Mar 12, 2011 01:19 AM
Karen Burket
Bank of Oregon a division of Willamette Valley Bank - Medford, OR
Valley Mortgage Grou, Conventional, FHA, VA, mortgages

Good morning, Mary!  What a great way to get  your office involved in helping others.  LOVE THAT!  Thanks for stopping by and the nice comments.  Have a wonderful weekend!  :-)

Mar 12, 2011 02:34 AM