Donate with respect

I don't usually donate objects to thrift stores. There are many factors that have contributed to my not doing so; one of them is that thrift stores did not exist in my country (at least I had not seen them), until six years ago when the economic crisis began. From that moment on I started to see garage stores with used clothes and objects. The other reason is that I have always donated to family and friends. I give them directly what I think they need, of course, first I make sure that they are going to use it, that is, that they will really take advantage of it.

Honestly, I am not attached to any of them. It is true that there are things that have a sentimental value for each person, even I keep two things that although I did not use them, I have them saved because they were gifts that my dad bought me as a child and I remember that he did it with such a great sacrifice that I have preferred to keep that pair of things but the rest is mine today and tomorrow I'm not sure it will be, because if someone has a great need I give it to him.

Material things come and go, I prefer to let things flow keeping in mind that the most important thing is to cultivate qualities that help us to be better people as this brings peace and happiness. Generally, I tend to donate clothes or shoes when I do purifications, however, I am not a person who will give someone else a black bag full of bad clothes.

That seems disrespectful to me, it's like handing them a bag of garbage and every person deserves to be treated with dignity. So I select clothes that are in good condition, think about who might need them, then tactfully let them know that I have something that is used but in good condition and watch for their reaction. You have to be very careful with this because there are people who are offended if you donate something used, however, as I already know many of them and I know that this does not affect them, it makes the process easier for me.

Of course, as I mentioned before, my country is in crisis and this has made many people agree to accept something that is used. However, I always keep in mind that we all deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. So I select what is in good condition and place it in decent packaging to make it look as dignified as possible. I recently had a pair of boots repaired and the soles that were put on them are very heavy, so it affects my hip problem, so I am going to donate them. I have already thought about who to give them to and I know they will take advantage of them.

It should be noted that I have also received donations, especially of clothes. It doesn't affect me to wear used clothes, as long as I don't get them mixed up in a garbage bag. Although there have been some cases, I am not offended, I just try not to imitate this unseemly gesture when I have the privilege of making donations. I will always feel happier when I give without expecting anything in return and when I see that I was able to really help someone with a donation I feel satisfied and eager to continue doing it.

All photos are my own, taken with a Realme 7i.