Full disclosure: I know the founder of HeroSearch.org and have done some writing for her. She did not ask me to write this post.
Sometimes you know what to do with your stuff. There are things you recycle or throw away, because no one would want them. The Writer’s Market book from 2003. The stained, holey t-shirt. There are also things that you have a home for. You’ll give your friend that necklace you no longer want, but she loves. You’ll take your toddler’s outgrown coat to the coat drive your church runs every fall.
Sometimes you look at something and have no idea what to do with it. Or, you know that Organization X might take it, but you wonder if you can find an organization with a mission you feel passionate about that would want it.
Enter HeroSearch.org.
HeroSearch.org allows you to search for organizations near you that need specific items you might have. You must enter your ZIP code and the distance you are willing to travel. Then, if you wish, you can narrow your search by organization name, by the types of items you have to donate, by whether or not the organization will pick up your donation, and by type of charity. For instance, when I searched for a place within 20 miles that would accept musical items, I found Pedal and Roll for Parkinson’s, which needs percussion instruments. When I searched for animal organizations within 10 miles that could use any donation, I found a wildlife rehabilitation center that could use shoeboxes (I’ll have to remember not to recycle mine anymore) and bath towels. I also found an animal shelter that needs newspapers, fans, fleece, pet carriers, and zip ties.
HeroSearch.org started in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, so most of the participating organizations are within that region. But if you are anywhere in the United States, try the search. I searched for charities within 100 of miles of 22301, and one in Wheaton, Maryland, popped up. Nominate a charity in your area, and perhaps you will help HeroSearch.org grow.