A New Way to Think About Gifting

As you move into the holiday season this week, spending time and sharing thankfulness with friends and family, we want to share with you the following Instagram post:

“The lady at the charity shop today told me that she wishes people would clear out their children’s old toys in the lead up to Christmas rather than after because she always sees a number of parents in the days before Christmas looking for toys for their little one who might be strapped for cash. She said there’s rarely anything in just before, but that they get inundated with toys in the days after Christmas.

“And it really made me think about it in a way I never would have before.

“If you know your child is going to get lots of presents from Father Christmas this year, by clearing out your cupboards a few days early you could make another child’s Christmas a lot more special too.”

–anna.marie.shartzer

The holiday shopping deals are already here. Can we all think about gifting in a new way? Involve your kids and go through their gently loved but outgrown toys and games and plan a pre-holiday donation drop off at your favorite thrift store. The Goodwill and Salvation Army are good bets. Check with your local thrift store for donation guidelines. 

Then think beyond the toys. Are there outgrown coats and other winter gear in the back of the closet? Holiday decor you don’t use any more? A grateful family may be waiting for just the item you are ready to discard..

The Environmental Action Committee wishes you a gratitude-filled time with friends and family this Thanksgiving. We also invite you to join as we work to justly affect climate change with the ultimate goal of preserving democracy by maintaining the health of our one and only planet and all that lives on it. Email us at environment@lwvchicago.org for access to our next meeting.