Doing Well By Doing Good

At least twice a year, we try to reduce the extra stuff that makes up our existence by donating them to charity-- clothes that boys have out-grown, books, toys, or bikes they no longer use, and also appliances, jewelry, kitchenware, and appliances. We found that on a bottom-line basis, it's better to donate this than try to sell it through eBay or in a garage sale, taking the deduction on our income tax form-- generally amouting to several thousand dollars of refunded money in our pocket. We usually donate to Big Brothers and also to Vietnam Veterans of America. They rebulk the donations, which are then auctioned to resellers. It's a good deal for everyone.