comment by caio

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comment by caio

caio · 4674 days ago · link · · parent · post: Question for Hubski: Why do people give? Why do you?

I once donated a large portion of my clothing to a charity in the town. Not because I was the spiriting of giving, mind you, though that did made me feel good, but because, like iamfight, I just had too much stuff in my closet. I figured the best way to get rid of it was to pass it forward.

There was this one time, too. I was walking through the college campus with some friends, and this guy, a young guy, with a backpack and an accent, clearly distressed, was looking for the college administration. He came from another state for a student gathering, somehow lost all his money and didn't have any way to go back. For some reason, I had some money with me that I wasn't going to spend, so I figured, what the hell, he seems to need it more. I don't remember the exact amount (30~60 dollars). He seemed very grateful and - like Yorn's lady - thanked me again and again. He wanted to pay me back and asked me for my bank account information. I gave him a false one. This whole thing was fishy from the start. I just wanted to get out of there feeling good and not fearing for my financial privacy.

Later one of my friends asked, "How do you know he really needed the money?" I answered, "I don't. If he didn't, then I just got mugged. Wasn't that much money, no big deal. But if he did, then I helped him get home." So, this time, I think it was convenience and the thought that maybe I could actually help someone.

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thenewgreen · 4674 days ago · link ·

I think that too often we just throw things away. A lot of people might have done that with their clothes instead of donating them. What's nice is that the giving of your old wares is getting easier. I can leave my old clothes in a box on my front porch and an organization will come and pick it up for me. -Very convenient.

You were smart not to give your account information, that wasn't cynical of you it was practical. Even if that person was "scamming" you, they were likely doing so because they needed the money. Not many well to do people stand around compiling elaborate means by which to scam you out of your money. -Oh wait, I take that back: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madoff_investment_scandal

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caio · 4674 days ago · link ·

When I took german classes, our teacher said people in Germany never threw furniture away. Instead, they just put them in a big pile outside and, like your old clothes, someone would pick it up.

I'm interested. Do you call this organization saying you've got some clothes in a box in fornt of the house or is it a periodical service they provide?

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thenewgreen · 4674 days ago · link ·

I recently moved and haven't utilized the service here. But back in Michigan I believe they were called the "Purple Heart" and they would leave a leaflet on our door letting us know when they would be in the area. Also, you could call them if you had a large load and they would set up a time for pick up. My guess is that they contacted other places in the neighborhood and structured the pickups together.

Also, I increasingly see large drop off bins at gas stations where you can deposit your old, unwanted clothes.

One thing that I know we will do is give all of our babies clothes to charity. We'll do this once we are sure we aren't having any more. Also her toys.