Sunday, September 6, 2015

On the Fifth Day of Gifts for Gracias . . .



For 12 days, I will be writing about the different ways people have participated in the Gifts for Gracias Project over the years. Today is the fifth day. If you are unfamiliar with Gifts for Gracias, or would like to see an overview of how it works, click here for more info.



The Fifth Day of Gifts for Gracias: Donate Used Items



While the main point of Gifts for Gracias is - of course - the gifts, we're attempting to fill an entire shipping container here, so we don't limit the donations to just the gift boxes. We also encourage the donation of good used clothing and bedding, and even small, non-electric housewares (we do not ship furniture, except in select cases, so ask us first if you have furniture you wish to donate). 


We request that you send items which are in very good, like-new condition. These are added to the Christmas gifts, and are distributed to the pastors and their families. Invariably, some donations aren't quite nice enough for us to consider "gift quality," and some are just inappropriate for inclusion in a gift, for various reasons, but they are still useful items. We bag those up and give them to pastors to distribute to the needier members of their communities. Nothing goes to waste!

Some items which, in good condition, are especially useful and appreciated include:
 - blankets, quilts, comforters, and other bedding
 - jackets and sweaters
 - shoes in good condition are fine, but only in smaller sizes (up to about a size 9 men's or women's)
 - purses, wallets, tote bags, ties, scarves, costume jewelry, etc
 - used clothing, in sizes up to and including adult large, for all kinds of weather (but please, nothing in XL sizes) 
 - small household items, including nicknacks, candles, dishes, pots and pans, etc.

Most of the donated used items have, in the past, come from local deliveries in Maryland and Florida, but we also have some donations mailed in from other locations. Either way is fabulous with us!

Shipping/Delivery Information


If you wish to mail gifts or donations, there are two mailing addresses available:

Gifts for Gracias
c/o Norma Irvin
7921 Broadmoor Pines Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34243

          or

Gifts for Gracias
c/o Jim Cofer
7047 Blue Mountain Road
Thurmont, MD 21788


If you live in Maryland or Florida, contact us if you would prefer to deliver your gift in person. At this time, there are only two locations set up to receive donations, but there may be a few other private options which can be arranged.
trish @ sowers4pastors.com


DEADLINES: All gifts coming to us in Florida MUST be received before September 24th! If you are mailing a package after that date please use the Maryland address! Currently, the Maryland deadline is the end of October!


Tomorrow I will share MORE ways you can be involved with the Gifts for Gracias Project!!!!

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