Donating Used Gear

OutdoorX4

OutdoorX4

Adventurist
About 1.5 weeks ago we were trying to reorganize our gear closet and get things ready for the upcoming season. While going through this process, we found some items that we'd had for a long time that hadn't been used in well...a very long time. It got us to thinking what opportunities are out there to donate used gear and wanted to seek your input on what you do with your gear when it:

1) Doesn't fit any longer
2) Has been upgraded
3) Never used
4) Etc

If you know of organizations that promote recreation and are looking for gear, post up and let us know. Just like Toys for Tots, we're envisioning the chance to donate used gear to adults and kids who may not be able to afford it or have never had an opportunity to get out and see what's out there to explore.
 
You could start a "Pay it Forward" thread here where you post up items for free.
 
Depending on what it is, a local Boy Scout Troop may be able to use items that are camping/cooking related. Posted by a former adult leader that was always looking for good camping equipment for the troop!
 
Roseann and I have donated lots of ex-gear-review stuff to local Boy Scout troops in poorer neighborhoods. They've been delighted and appreciative.

Most famously, after a review of the U.S.-made Springbar tent, we asked about sending it back and the company told us to donate it instead. They've got my endorsement ever since, especially over the offshore-made copy.
 
Jonathan Hanson said:
Roseann and I have donated lots of ex-gear-review stuff to local Boy Scout troops in poorer neighborhoods. They've been delighted and appreciative.

Most famously, after a review of the U.S.-made Springbar tent, we asked about sending it back and the company told us to donate it instead. They've got my endorsement ever since, especially over the offshore-made copy.
Click to expand...

Donating sounds great. Give-a-ways are nice with some things also. I did a give-a-way with some nice surplus wool pants once on another outdoors forum. The guy was very happy to have them. I dont even remember where I got them, I hadnt worn that size since about jr high.

On the give-a-way, there were a number of people interested, I numbered the responses, and used the "online random number generator" to choose. Others have asked that the person most needing and couldnt afford, and that worked out fairly well.
 
Every Xmas I've tried and been successful at raising funds through a couple of churches and local businesses to purchase military surplus goods, like socks gloves hats boots and jackets to give to the homeless shelter. I have quite a bit of excess camping gear ie backpacks sleeping bags cook sets etc. I'm gonna look into some local Boy Scout groups or something similar. I was saving the stuff for friends/people for when things fall apart but there are people who could benefit from it now and who knows one of them may save the world one day:)
 
Plenty of people in skid row can use any type of gear...

I am driving for a "rideshare" company and am donating all my tips to people I see in need.
 
These are all AWESOME suggestions and input and I really appreciate everyone posting up their experiences, suggestions, tips, etc. There's no doubt someone can benefit from the things we take for granted. Whether it's items we no longer deem "worthy" of our use or just flat-out don't need any longer, there is ALWAYS someone who can use it.

I'll start looking around locally and appreciate the feedback.
 
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