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In a typical year, participating Central Coast schools and organizations earn more than $25,000 through GCC's Donation Drive Reimbursement Program. EARN SOME & IT'S NEVER BEEN EASIER TO AT THE SAME TIME HAVE QUESTIONS OR INTEREST IN HOSTING YOUR OWN DONATION DRIVE? CONTACT DONORSERVICESCCGOODWILL.ORG Americans function within a capitalistic, growth-centered econo- my. Logic tells us that the more we spend, the better it is for everyone. And that's true — to a point. We all want things, of course. But do we really NEED everything we buy? We've all fallen into the trap of spending money we don't have, and buying things we think we need, but many times, we never use them. These habits can lead to debt and dissatisfac- tion, excess clutter, and ultimately the dumping of items into landfills. If you feel like your "stuff" is weighing you down and controlling your life, there is a time-hon- ored, local option avail- able. Goodwill Central Coast stands ready to accept donations and transform them into meaningful jobs in our communities. In a typical year, GCC receives more than 630,000 donations, total- ing more than 25 million pounds of clothing and household items. From those generous donations, GCC diverts more than 17 million pounds from landfills, helping preserve and protect the Central Coast's landscape. And the money raised helps fund programs that put more than 13,000 people back to work while help- ing rehabilitate others who are trying to be productive members of society. With multiple, conve- nient drop-off sites, GCC makes it easy for anyone to have an impact on the local economy and the environment. And it saves you money so that you don't have to pay to throw something away. It's a win-win proposition — for the people and the planet. It begins with a purge We've all collected a few impulse buys or things we don't need over the years. Whatever reason someone has for holding on to these items, it is time to start letting those things go once and for all. Do any of these excuses sound familiar? "I paid good money for it." "I might need it someday." "Someone gave that to me as a gift." "A family member left me that item in their will." If you're wondering if you really need to purge, there are probably clues all around you: Your "containers" are no longer containing the things you own in that category. You are spending more time organizing a space than it's worth. Something doesn't have a home in your home. You can no longer park your car (or even walk through) your garage. The bottom line is, if you don't use an item, if you don't need or love an item, then it doesn't belong in your home. Wellness experts say Where to turn when you are overwhelmed by clutter Donate to Goodwill and help others feel the power of employment that a home should be a sanctuary, not a place that is cluttered and overwhelming. Here are some purging tips to help create a more Zen atmosphere around your home: Be honest about how often you use things: If something has collected dust for six months or more, there is no valid reason to keep it. If it helps, imagine the item in someone else's loving hands, following their Goodwill purchase, and a third party removing obstacles to employ- ment. Get rid of duplicate items: This could include things like spare spat- ulas, having too many cups that are similar, etc. Check out your junk drawer, your shoe rack and old toy chests. There is surprising power in owning just one! Fill a "maybe" box: For things that you're still not sure about, get a box and write "donate by X date" on it. If you find that you're missing those items, go to the box and get them. But when the date comes, anything still in the box gets auto- matically donated! Donating to Goodwill is easy The summer season is right around the corner, and GCC encourages residents in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo counties to begin the purge process, or as some call it, Spring Cleaning. It's fast, easy and convenient. GCC is especially interested in donated clothing, shoes, housewares, small electrical items, and small electronics, with many conveniently located donation centers. What's more, all monetary donations and donations of clothing and household goods that are in "good" condition or better are entitled to a tax deduction, according to Federal law. The Internal Revenue Service requires that all charitable dona- tions be itemized and valued, and GCC provides an estimated value list on their website. In addition, Goodwill Central Coast provides the following services: Free home pickups are available for large amounts of items (some restrictions apply). Those interested should send their address, telephone number and pictures of the items they would like picked up to donorser- vicessc@ccgoodwill.org. Free weekly or month- ly pickup service from Businesses/schools/orga- nizations (please contact donor services at 800-894- 8440). Donation drives which can net an organization, school, club or nonprofit thousands of dollars are available this fall and the spring of next year in Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties. For donating high-value items, please call donor services at 800-894-8440, and someone will be hap- py to assist. For donating cars or oth- er vehicles, please contact our affiliate at 866-701- 2277 and let them know that it's for Goodwill Central Coast. Creating job opportunities Goodwill Central Coast is committed to removing obstacles for individu- als looking to build the necessary skills to succeed in their desired career. So each time you're making a donation you aren't just getting rid of unused clothes in your closet; you're provid- ing an opportunity for someone in your area to gain work experience to help advance their career. When it comes to purging, once you start letting go, you'll feel more peaceful, content and fulfilled in the open space you intention- ally created. Instead of stress and panic that you can't find anything you need in clutter and chaos, you'll know where things are and make effective use of everything you own. And you can rest assured that GCC will transform something unwanted and unneeded into community goodwill! Provided photo

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