Ok. So admittedly, even I had trouble finding the big yellow Planet Aid bin on the MCC campus. But don’t let that stop you from donating to people in need. Once you know where it is, take a detour to do something generous with your unwanted clothes and shoes. Outside the fitness center in the faculty parking lot stands a lone symbol of hope for many people around the world. In Asia, Latin America, and Africa, there are communities whom depend on the programs sponsored by Planet Aid. These programs include education support, community development, HIV/AIDS prevention, relief aid and more.

By donating, your clothes and shoes are sold to second hand thrift stores and the money is used to support and run programs such as the ones mentioned above. The articles must be in a useable condition when they’re dropped in. To donate other things such as laptops, go to the website to get more information (www.planetaid.org).

Once you start looking, you might be surprised by what you want to get rid of. And here’s something for you shopaholics to consider; just think about all the space that you will have once you go on a cleaning spree.

But that’s only a plus to donating. One of the facts we need to concentrate on instead is that since 1997, Planet Aid has spread over 19 states and continues to grow. They currently have over 7,000 boxes and one of these is right in our backyard. So when you get home from class, open up those drawers, pull that closet apart; see just what you can contribute to this noble cause. Almost all of us have something that we will never wear. Instead of wrapping it up in a trash bag and dropping it in a dumpster, instead of committing your unwanted items to landfills, why not give them to those in need? And as an extra tid-bit for you money savvy – accounting majors, donations are tax-deductible. Contact Planet Aid via their website for a receipt.

So in the end, consider this, by donating you are helping developing countries, making more space to shop, and getting a tax deduction. Those all seem like great benefits to some early spring cleaning. Don’t you think? And if you’re interested in learning more, take a trip to their website. It will tell you everything that you’re wanting to know.