I tried posting this question last night, but I don't see it anywhere, so my apologies if it is a repeat. We are in the midst of cleaning out stuff and want to get rid of some baby things. Lots of things we are keeping to give to family or friends who are planning on having kids soon, but I am not sure what to do with things like baby bottles, spare pump parts, and diapers from an open pack (disposable). I heard that baby bottles can be reused again for animals. If so, do I donate that to Goodwill or is there a specific charity for that? Also, spare pump parts...some never used parts, some that are used...who takes those things...a wierd thing to donate, isn't it? Is it best just to toss it or recycle it? And what about disposable diapers from a pack that has been opened? Who takes these things? My husband thinks we should just give it to the Goodwill and call it a day, but I want to be sure it actually goes somewhere where these things will actually find a good use. I don't really want it to get in the hands of a jobber - someone who sells random things in bulk for profit if there is someone who could actually use it.
Thanks!
I have heard great things about Wellspring Family Services.
http://family-services.org/make_a_difference/donate/wish_...
Kudos to you for being so thoughtful. Have you checked out consignment stores in your area? I've donated items there and ask them if they find uses for items if they can't use it in the store. Also, I post alot of my stuff on craigslist, usually check out the 'wanted' to see if anyone is looking for something I might have. If not, then I post it in the 'free' section or the 'for sale' section. Caution of you do the 'free' section, as sometimes there are people that just answer ads for the sake of answering an ad and never follow through with actually picking up the item, does that make sense? Also, maybe your area has a Thrift stores like 'Savers' or a 'green' type thrift store, they take pretty much everything to help save the environment by not putting more stuff in the landfill.......This city I'm in is BIG on that.
Good luck!
There will be a great Children's consignment sale at Green Lake Community center May 18-20, 2012. You really should check it out, you will be hooked! You can also consign your child's outgrown clothing, furniture and accessories and earn some cash. At the end of the sale, you may donate your unsold items to the supported local charity. Here is the website for more information: www.perfectlyoutgrown.com
Hello K.!
Not sure if you have heard about it but the St Joseph's Baby Corner will take most if not all of what you described, especially partially opened diapers! They are located near Swedish/Broadway and they actually serve/support many other organizations that assist new mothers and families in need with children. Here is their website: http://www.seattlebabycorner.org/
They have been helping the community since 1988. If the dropoff hours don't work for you and if Capitol Hill is not out of your way, you can also drop off at St Joseph's church (18th & Aloha). There is a baby crib in the church down the left side about halfway and you can leave stuff there and it will be delivered to the Baby Corner. (They are open on the weekend :)) Two moms started this and now it is a model in many cities. They would really welcome your donations!
I've donated lots of baby/maternity things at Wellsprings in Seattle, off of Rainier Av.
See if there is a low income pregancy help center near you or a WIC clinic (usually part of the local health department), they will find all the stuff a "good home". I have actually gotten open diaper & baby clothing from the WIC clinic I go to when I was expecting & low on funds.
As for baby bottles, toss the used nipples and give the center or clinic the rest of the bottle parts. All you have to do is boil them & they can be reused... with my first I was 17 & she only used old yardsale bottles - it was all I could get her. And with my others, they have used their sister's & brother's hand me down bottles w/ new nipples & maybe one special bottle just for them. Well, except one cause he would only use Aveno bottles.
Hope you find the stuff a good home & take care!
Any shelter for homeless, or womans shelter would love to get things for babys. Homeless people have children too and cant afford diapers and clothing. Women who are running from a domestic problem sometimes leave home with nothing but the child and the clothes they have on. Ive donated diapers and bottles and blankets to our Rescue mission and they are always so glad to have the things.
See if you have a non profit pregnancy center near you. We have one here, that would take most of that stuff. They sanitize the pump parts and give the diapers to new mamas/
Contact a domestic violence shelter or homeless shelter near you. I am sure they can use the stuff you have.
If you can hang on to the crib and changing table. As soon as you get rid of them, you will need them if not for your own grandchildren then for a guest.
I found this out the hard way. I ended up buying baby stuff 4 times because I kept getting rid of it.
