Not last Saturday but the Saturday before I knew that I would be writing this post…and after the experience I had last night I decided that the time to write it is now.
Forever and always before I’ve donated any clothes to any charity I’ve washed them first so they are clean and smelling good. I do this always.
I figure that whoever gets them will appreciate getting something clean and fresh….especially if they are in a disaster or crisis situation. If I was in need I know that clean clothes would be appreciated. So I make sure I send off what I donate clean. Always.
But recently I started washing all the shoes I donate as well. Even if they are just going to the Salvation Army…they go there clean.
It’s easy. Just throw them into your washing machine and even if you only run them through on a rinse cycle and then set them out to dry it will freshen them up and get rid of any of your foot nasties. (Come on—you’ve got foot nasties. Admit it. Everyone has foot nasties….especially kids…so sometimes I wash their shoes twice.)
Recently I’ve seen first hand where donated shoes go.
And I was so glad that what I had to offer was clean.
Last night I went to a home where a family lives in poverty that is hard to imagine existing in our country let alone so close to my own home.
This family had nothing…not a bed, not a couch, not even a kitchen sink or a little hot plate to cook on. They had nothing. But the only thing they asked for was shoes.
Shoes.
It doesn’t take long or a lot of effort.
Just do it, wash your shoes. I promise it will be appreciated.
-liZ
PS—Don’t worry about this family. I know who is going to be watching over them, and they are in good hands. (Oh how I love all the wonderful homemakers out there who are so willing to help bring some of the beauty they posses to others.)
that breaks my heart to hear about that family. and im embarassed to admit that i have never even thought about washing the shoes that i donate…shame on me!
I never thought of it either– although we always do clothes. Great post, and great reminder!
Such a good thing to point out!
Thank you for the story. Interesting to hear how little they had as I have heard on news shows that American “poor” actually have DVD players, a roof over their head, etc. How I would love to know of a family like that and give, give, give. I donate alot of our stuff and never thought about the shoes!!! Why? I wash everything else but some shoes, like leather, can’t be washed. I will be sure to wash all the rest though–thank you!
How sad to hear about that family. I will remember to wash my shoes before donating them- except ones that can’t be reasonably washed (like heels).
Thank you so much for sharing this story. And for reminding me of the little things we can do to make others lives better.