Donations for this Holiday Season
The year 2020 has been one of the most difficult years for many individuals and organizations around the globe, especially for the ones who experience homelessness. These people in need are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing complications due to the lack of access to traditional services. Hence, the work of non-profit organizations who provide assistance and support to them is more important than ever this year. Some of these individuals rely entirely on the support of non-profit organizations to live, and now to be safe and healthy.
This is one of the reasons why we have to keep a constant flow of impactful donations. In fact, it is crucial to do research prior to dropping off your donations at a donation box or center. Call, or check online to confirm the location is accepting donations and specifically the products you are planning to donate. This will guarantee that your donations will end at the best site and prepare yourself for COVID prevention protocols in place. Finally, it is very important to verify that your donations are in good conditions, cleaned and ready to go. By doing this, you are helping these organizations to be more efficient and reallocate the labor hours on other important tasks to support the community.
The busiest time of the Year for Salvation Army Organizations
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that gives hope and support to vulnerable people in more than 130 countries around the world. They are passionately committed to eliminating poverty and caring for people who are struggling. Particularly they address the dehumanizing scourge of poverty and injustices; as well as educate the public about what it means to live in poverty and what they can do to help. They offer practical assistance for children and families, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives due to an addiction. The Salvation Army has become one of the largest non-governmental providers of social services in many countries around the world, especially in Canada. It continues to grow its unprecedented support to society’s most vulnerable, by the support of all donors.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, The Salvation Army’s work became even more important than ever. Governments around the world urged its citizens to stay home amid COVID-19 pandemic; but if you don’t have a home, how do you stay safe? Which is why The Salvation Army needs their community support all the more so. There are many ways to help these individuals through these uncertain and difficult times. From donating money and clothes, to even volunteering at your local facility; there is something for everyone to help. As the year comes to and end, all personnel prepare for the fundraising campaigns that happen throughout the Christmas season.
The Salvation Army Christmas campaigns kick off November 18th, 2020 with the Stocking Fund Campaign. The Stocking Fund meets the financial needs of families and individuals who are struggling. The campaign raises funds in order to help families through the holidays by providing them with food hampers and toys for their children. The second campaign of the season is the Envelope Campaign, which is set to go out on November 25th, 2020. The funds collected through this campaign are used to meet the needs of clients and families throughout the year by providing items such as clothing and furniture. The final campaign of the season is the annual Kettle Campaign, kicking off at the beginning of December. The Christmas Kettle Campaign is a fundraising effort that is spread across all Salvation Army communities, giving the public the opportunity to donate whatever funds they can to support the work of The Salvation Army. The funds raised through this campaign go directly to ensure that every family in their community has something on their tables.
There are many ways you can help this Christmas Season, check out The Salvation Army’s website for ways to donate or volunteer.
The Shift of second-hand clothing due to Generation Z
The second-hand clothing market has exploded and increased 21 times faster than the retail market over the past 4 years. Thrifting has always been a much more affordable method of shopping, and it is a better way to support sustainable fashion. The previous stigma to purchasing and wearing second-hand clothing has passed and society has deemed it an acceptable shopping method. There are many factors to the acceptance of thrifting, one of the biggest reasons being the influence of Generation Z and the change in consumer behaviour.
Generation Z, which refers to the generation that was born between 1996 – 2010, has been a major influence in society as the generation becomes financially independent and they mature into their spending power. One of the biggest drivers for Generation Z’s interest in second-hand clothing is the ability to look unique and build a more personalized sense of style through thrifting. Wearing a ‘one-of-a-kind’ piece of clothing can make this generation feel special and unique, which in result makes them feel happy. Thrifting has become more than a method of shopping; it has become a very unique lifestyle. Many people go thrifting as a way to hang out with friends and to film YouTube videos.
In addition, the climate change crisis is alarming, and Generation Z is especially aware and concerned about it. These individuals thrive from making a difference in this world, which is why they take even more pleasure in thrifting knowing that they are saving these items from the landfills. Although the main reason for Generation Z to thrift is to find their own unique style, thrifting has become an entryway into a new way of living. Becoming more considerate and intentional about the purchases they are making across the board.
As the rest of Generation Z progresses into their spending power, the second-hand clothing industry is projected to rise significantly. The influential skills of this generation have started to influence consumers from other generations as well, creating more considerate consumers overall.
