Your gift allows someone else to declare your couch their favorite piece.
At first glance, this article title seems ironic. As of this writing, quantum physicists have yet to figure out shove a recliner into cyberspace. However, in all seriousness, it's extremely easy to share your furniture bounty with others by letting your fingers do the walking to locate sources willing to accept gently used furnishings. Criteria for donation is often exacting, but pickup is a service most offer, so apply due diligence from your computer terminal and before you know it, someone else will be enjoying the couch you couldn't wait to retire.
Instructions
1. Use your favorite search engine to ferret out Internet sites supporting local causes like women's shelters, secondhand stores and thrift shops. Tap the "Contact us" link and send a note briefly describing the age, size and condition of your furniture so the organization knows what you want to give away. Be prepared to upload a JPEG image of the furnishing(s) you wish to donate so they can decide whether or not a pickup is worth their while.
2. Contact churches and philanthropic organizations like "Bridging" in Minnesota or Georgia's "Furniture Bank" (see link) to contribute furniture that will be made available to those in need. Read rules and regulations for making donations while visiting these websites to learn whether your furnishings are on their "things we need" lists. Read stringent donation guidelines that prohibit agencies from accepting worn, stained or broken pieces.
3. Check out the San Francisco-based Online Policy Group, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit that plays matchmaker between folks with unwanted furniture and those who really need it. Make arrangements to donate small items like lamps, tables, chairs and electronics by visiting their website to describe your gift. Ask about pickup or drive items to a center yourself once you've received acceptance verification by calling: (415) 861-4910.
4. Establish your own website to funnel donations---your unwanted furniture and that of friends and relatives---to folks who might otherwise be unaware of donation sources. Require a low-resolution (72 dpi) photo of furniture up for donation and a short description. You can code contributions to keep recipients and donors anonymous until a deal has been struck. Charge a small fee for this service and you could raise funds for a worthy cause.
5. Visit websites of well-known domestic charities like the Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries, the Cancer Society, Vietnam Veterans of America and others to find a donation site in your community. Access the "Contact us" link. Describe the furniture in question via e-mail. Expect most of these organizations to offer pickup service as long as you're within their geographic area.
6. Check out sites like Craig's List and Freecycle to see if theater companies, charities or individuals are looking for specific items they've been unable to locate elsewhere. Communicate directly or through an Internet filter to cut a deal that can be as simple as getting someone to foot the bill for shipping furniture you wish to give away.
Tags: Contact link, furniture that, give away, pickup service, someone else, unwanted furniture