Senior Notes

Cora Flood

Cleaning Up Clutter for a Good Cause

We are fast approaching Thanksgiving and dare I say it Christmas already. Those of us with STUFF might contemplate a big tidy up, clearing out in anticipation of visitors arriving. More of us are always pottering away at a steady downsizing in the home; making more room for new stuff or thinking ahead to when we won’t need it anymore. So many of my older friends comment about their prized possessions and how no one in the family is likely to want or need them when they are no longer here. That special teapot, oil painting or never worn sweaters are all awaiting new homes. My response is always, never fear there are plenty of options as Massachusetts has a great collection of organizations that will recycle most of your gently used heirlooms and more.

Two questions to consider before pulling your place asunder and picking up the phone- do you want your donated items to be sold off and the money raised used for  a good cause or would you prefer that your used items go directly to a person or family in need?

The Big Brother Big Sister Foundation, has a "Clean Up Clutter for a Good Cause" campaign, you just clean out clutter and bag it. Then they pick up your donations (like old clothes, shoes, small toys and household items) right at your doorstep. They turn your used clothing, jeans and small household items into cash and donate up to 100% of the net profits to mentoring programs throughout the Greater Boston area. The donations help to provide more than 5,000 children with adult mentors. You can schedule a pick-up online at www.bbbsfoundation.org or call them at (800) 483-5503.

Another favorite organization is My Brothers Keeper out of Easton. After chatting with Connie Sullivan from Adams Village in Dorchester I learned all about the organization and its inspirational beginnings. Connie is heavily involved and passed along an invitation to all our readers who might want to get connected to attend their annual Mass of Gratitude on November 27^th at 7:00pm. Call their office at (508) 238 7512 for more details

A few snippets of background information - My Brother's Keeper is a Christian Ministry which delivers essential furniture, household items and food free of charge to those in need, mostly around the South Shore. They will take your used items/donations year round. Simply call up to schedule a pick up at your home. If you are in need of assistance rather than in a position to donate, they are happy to hear from individuals and families, there are no prerequisites for applying; no income statements etc. will be needed. All requests are processed by phone. So pick up the phone and get hooked up. My Brother's Keeper Helpline: (508) 238-4416;

My Brother's Keeper Business/Donation Line: (508) 238-7512

Website: www.mybrotherskeeper.org

Up coming:

Monthly Senior Outing to the Irish Cultural Centre, Canton

Thursday November 19^th from 12noon to 3:00pm

Mini buses will travel from Brighton and Quincy locations, RSVP absolutely necessary.

Call Cora at 617 479 7404 to let us know if you are planning to attend with friends.

Entertainment by John Connor of the Irish Express.