Strangers Put Trash Bags On My Porch

I have been systematically “Pandemic Cleansing” [a.k.a spring cleaning / household organizing]. This resulted in two bags filled with gently used clothes, shoes and outgrown grand-baby items. But, what to do with them? In the “before times” I would simply drive over to my local Deseret Industries [the Utah version of Good Will] and drop these bags off. But, D.I. is closed. And, a quick call around to other charities I could think of – women’s shelters, homeless shelters, etc. – are not taking donations due to COVID.

It appeared I must simply relocate unwanted items from one part of the house to another as a tragic reward for channeling my inner “Marie Kondo”.

This was not sparking joy.

One final call resulted in a referral to the Children’s Justice Center of Davis County which happens to be running their annual fundraiser this month. And, they happen to be taking anything made of cloth/fabric/textiles! The sale of these items fund critical therapy for child abuse victims. A perfect win-win! The coordinator cheerfully scheduled a pick-up at my house for the following day at 3:00 PM.

When I hung up the phone, I had a thought. What if some other people have been doing pandemic cleansing and also have a bag of items with nowhere to go? I decided to post a little invite on our community Facebook page offering my porch as a donation drop-off. The only requirement was to get here by 3 PM [and please don’t bring any broken lawnmowers or old TVs that I would get stuck with! Yikes!]

I had no expectations. Maybe a couple of people would put a couple of bags out there? Or, maybe there wouldn’t be any interest.

In just a few hours, this is what happened!

I’ve never been so happy to see my front porch filled with trash bags!

Watching the pile grow throughout the morning motivated me to keep cleaning. I tackled the drawers, then the cabinets and moved on to all of the closets! [this is a very cathartic and energizing activity, by the way]. At 3:00 PM, the combined donations filled up an entire truck load!

I think the best thing was having my belief in the goodness of people confirmed. The desire as humans to unite, and serve each other warms the heart! Right before my eyes, on my very own porch, a group of quarantined strangers created a magical moment together.

[side note: masks & gloves, plus hand washing were all used during this spontaneous event]

Thank you, Farmington neighbors! Best “trash day” ever! 😉

Stay safe, Be well – Holly