We all know you can donate items like coats and food, but that’s not all. There are lesser known, stranger things you can give to charity. Here are five unusual things you didn’t know you could donate—but you should consider donating if you have them!
Your Car
Yes, many charities will take cars! If you’re moving on from your first-ever car but you’re not sure what to do with it, one option is to donate your old car to charity. Charities can use cars in all sorts of ways, from converting them into mobile kitchens or libraries to fixing them up and giving them to families in need.
Mascara Wands
Are you a fan of makeup and unsure what to do with your old, worn-out mascara wands? Why not give them to charity? Surprisingly, you can donate dried-out mascara wands—animal activists use them to remove larvae and other harmful debris from the fur of wild animals. Just wash old wands in warm, soapy water, donate them, and help save animal lives.
Stray Wires
Does your family have a bucket of unused, unidentified wires lying around? Why not donate them? Even if they don’t work or you don’t remember what they’re for, the organization you donate to can harvest and recycle the copper and other conductive materials found inside.
Glasses
Another thing you didn’t know you could donate is prescription glasses. Even if you think your old pair’s prescription is wildly specific, chances are, there’s someone out in the world that shares it. Vision issues are common, but not everyone can easily access or afford glasses. By donating your outdated pairs, you can help someone see the world in a new light.
Airline Miles
Are you and your fam frequent flyers? If you have a lot of airline miles and you’re not sure what to do with them all, why not donate some to foundations like Make-A-Wish? Make-A-Wish uses these miles to make kids’ travel dreams come true. UNICEF is another well-known charity that takes airline mile donations.
If you’re feeling generous and have any of these items to spare, consider donating them. Your donation—no matter how big or small—can have a positive impact on your community and the world.