Overflowing closet? Donate some of your excess stockpile!

A Colorado Springs woman is doing an awesome thing – she’s organizing a toilet paper drive for the needy! Toilet paper is evidently one of the biggest needs and least-donated items for local outreach ministries:

Kathy Peterson of Colorado Springs decided to do something about the toilet paper scarcity. She’s helped organize six local donation sites, open Friday through April 10, where people can leave toiletries and household commodities. The items will be distributed to area organizations that help the needy.

If you’ve got an excessive toilet paper stockpile, this sounds like a great way to donate! Other needed items include: bar soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, shaving supplies, laundry detergent, fabric softener, dish soap, cleaning supplies.

Now, it’s been awhile since we’ve had a smokin’ deal on toilet paper (wait, maybe that one-day Safeway thing was an exception), but I know we’ve gotten free or very cheap bar soap, hair care, shaving supplies, and cleaning supplies in recent sales, and, well, it makes more sense to donate a few items than to keep a two-year supply in your hall closet.  Here’s more information on donating to Kathy Peterson’s drive.  Thanks, Betsy!

Don’t forget that your donations to many organizations are tax-deductible, too – though you’ll probably want to make sure if that’s a big deal to you, as not all organizations that accept donations are.  I would talk to your CPA about whether to claim the retail value or the price paid, I’ve always been interested to know but haven’t ever asked!

What are your favorite places to donate toileties and non-perishable foods?