Scrap Charity: The Gift of Giving

I think most of us feel incredibly blessed. We have families and friends who care for us, children, pets, jobs, homes, and freedoms that many people don't have. Even the simple act of being healthy and whole is a blessing often taken for granted.

I love the idea of using something I adore, scrapbooking, to help benefit others who may not have the blessings in life that I do. The gift of giving is what I like to call it. You can give in many ways. Your time, money, skills, and unused supplies are all necessary and helpful for groups who use scrapbooking as a source of therapy and recreation.

After doing extensive research I've come to the conclusion that your efforts are best spent in your own backyard. Find local nursing homes, schools, children's hospitals, Boy and Girl Scout troops, and after-school programs that could use not only your unwanted supplies, but also your expertise and skills.

Hosting a charity crop is a wonderful way to gather supplies, find like-minded people to join your cause, and to have fun! Donated idea books and magazines are always welcome along with supplies. Once you have some materials you could package supplies into kits, for example. These kits could be donated to any number of youth or elderly groups who would appreciate having them.

One scrapbook instructor I know takes her kits to a local homeless shelter that houses a large number of women and children. The children especially get a kick out of using the Polaroid photos she takes of them and making mini scrapbooks about themselves and the good things in their life. It helps them focus on the good times and keeps them thinking about their own positive qualities.

Supplies can also be used for smaller projects, such as greeting cards. The local nursing home I spoke with has a volunteer who helps the ladies craft cards and then they sell them at their Christmas Bazaar to raise money for items the ladies would like. Last year they were able to purchase a new DVD player and some of their favorite musicals that they enjoy watching in the evenings.

If you are interested in donating your time there are quite a few groups that are looking for educators. Local Boys and Girls Clubs are often looking for after-school activities. You can also see if there is a pregnancy and early childhood resource center in your area. My area has an education center that is always looking for fun activities to go along with the more serious topics of nursing, child discipline, and parenting skills. Sometimes offering something fun like crafting a baby-themed shadow box is a way to encourage these moms to take the more serious classes first and stay for the fun event afterwards. It's a win-win situation for everyone!

Scrapbook therapy has been around for quite a few years now. Groups that work with at-risk youth, traumatized children, and returning military personnel have all witnessed how well scrapbooking works to help people express fears and feelings, and adjust to new situations. By donating supplies to these groups you are helping the professionals to do their job better. This is a very rewarding way to find a new home for scrapbook supplies you may no longer be interested in using.

If you run a home-based business that's related to crafting I highly recommend that you check with your local tax professional to find out if you can write off certain expenses from your charitable work. Items such as supplies, automobile gas, and related expenses might be deductible from your taxes. Your professional accountant should be able to tell you what the laws are for your area.

Here is a list of places that may be interested in scrapbook charity events or supplies:

• preschools
• church groups
• nursing homes
• senior centers
• Boys and Girls Clubs
• veteran homes
• rehabilitation centers
• Pregnancy Aid Centers
• child care centers
• children's hospitals
• homeless shelters
• at-risk youth centers
• MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers) gGroups
• elementary schools
• after-school programs
• community outreach centers
• schools (of any kind) in low-income areas
• group homes for handicapped adults
• Boy/Girl Scout Troops

Each community will have its own needs. If you are willing to open your heart and give of your time, energy, and resources you can make a difference in your own city or town. When we give of ourselves we get so much more in return. You can follow this link to the Scrapjazz web page that gives links and information for charity events across the nation.

Shop at the Scrapbook.com Superstore for all your Scrapbooking Supplies!
Enjoy 5-Star service, HUGE selection and LOW prices!
Click here to start shopping!