Where to donate “like new” items for those who cant afford to purchase gear

[Eric K]

Hi,

I have a number of items I would like to donate to those folks who enjoy the outdoors but perhaps cannot afford to purchase key items on their items. Outside of giving the stuff away to Salvation Army, are they any charities specific to people who enjoy the outdoors?

Thanks.

Eric

[Greg Mihalik]

Speak more about “a charity”.

Not a charity, but worthy – Girl Scouts.

[Edward John M]

Many forums have a “Pay It Forward” [ PIF] subsection.

Locally we do this and it works out well, BPL is perhaps a little too specialised a forum so perhaps the local Scout troops is a good idea

[Jerry Adams]

I’ve been giving some stuff away on oregonhikers.org.  I mention on the forum, someone PMs me, I give them my address, they pick it up

maybe you have some website of local hikers

I’m with you, not worth the hassle of selling it

If you wanted to ship it you could advertise here

[Eric K]

Yeah, I thought perhaps there was a BPL section where we could donate very light used gear to members who don’t necessarily have the means to purchase gear. As an example, I have a TNF Summit Series GTX Active Jket and a Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero down suit to give away as I dont forsee using them in my near future.

I suppose I could look at Boy Scouts, but some of this stuff is going to be overkill even for them (or just too big for them).

Eric

[Jerry Adams]

yeah, Boy Scouts need Boy Scout proof gear – heavy

I remember backpacking with some teenagers.  Somehow, they were able to burst a water bag with a pump water filter.

are you willing to ship your gear?

if so, describe in more detail?

[Eric K]

Oh yeah, shipping isn’t a problem.

1 x MHW Absolute Zero Down Suit (not worn) size L

1 x MHW Absolute Zero Down Parka State Orange size L

1 x TNF Himalayan Parka size XL

1 x TNF Summit Series Proprious GTX Active Jkt size XL

With the exception of the GTX Active Jkt, which I wore once in Chamonix last year around town, its all brand new and unworn gear.

[Greg Pehrson]

I just PMd you about this but thought I should post it here too in case other folks are thinking of doing the same. BPL’s Diversity Fund is a grant-making program that also provides equipment, so especially the fact that you have brand new, unworn gear could make it a good fit for this program.

[Paul Wagner]

We’ve done this for the local girl scouts   And they even have us some homemade forestarters in return.  very sweet.

[Edward John M]

There is some serious money involved with that clothing list Eric, why give it away?

 

[Eric K]

It’s a rather long story….

If I don’t hear back from Ryan tomorrow I’m going to be giving it away a piece at a time on the gear swap forum.

Eric

[Brandon]

Eric,

I wonder if you would be able to better maximize your giving by selling some of your gear on the forum for a discounted price and then donating the money to a group/cause of your choice?

Some of the gear you are intending to give away is quite expensive and, if you sold it for a fair but reduced price, someone on the forum could benefit by getting a discount on quality gear and you could then use the money to donate to scout groups, Sierra Club, or local groups in your area that could use the money to fund their operations or buy gear that would better suit the needs of the group ($500 can buy a lot of backpacks for kids!)

Just a thought and, whatever you decide to do, your generosity is appreciated!

Brandon

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