We often declutter during the New Year as we throw out the old to make space for the new. But what is old and no longer of use to you may be treasure to someone else. Here are ways to give your pre-loved items a new lease of life.
1. Donate old 3G phones to Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2)
Image Credit: TWC2
By April 2017, the 2G network in Singapore will be closed. This means that foreign workers with low-cost 2G mobile phones will no longer be able to make calls on their phones, and they may not be able to afford 3G phones.
So if you have 3G phones that you’re no longer using, why not donate them to a foreign worker? You can drop off your old phones here.
2. Donate old books to Dignity Mama
Secondhand bookstore Dignity Mama are run by children with intellectually/physical disabilities and their parents. They man pushcarts in hospitals, which offers a safe environment for the children to be in. Books donated to Dignity Mama help keep the store running, and in turn, help these families to be self-reliant.
Dignity Mama accepts any fiction and non-fiction English and Chinese books, as well as educational magazines such as National Geographic, Readers Digest and Young Scientists.
Books can be dropped off at the NUH Medical Centre, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, or Dignity Kitchen in Serangoon Avenue 3. Please let them know if you want to drop books off.
3. Donate food to Food Bank Singapore
Image Credit: Weeloy Foodies
The giving can continue, even after Chinese New Year! Can’t look at another pineapple tart? Donate any leftover festive goodies to Food Bank Singapore, instead of throwing them away. As long as the tins are unopened and haven’t expired, Food Bank Singapore will still accept your leftover goodies and distribute them to their charity partners, or even to animal farms where they can be converted into ingredients for animal feed.
You can drop off your donations at their warehouse or Bank Boxes located islandwide.
4. Donate used items to Red Cross
Red Cross’ thrift stores sell just about anything, and proceeds support their humanitarian work in Singapore. You can donate almost any item in good working condition. It’s a great way to recycle old toys, household products, furniture and help someone in need at the same time.
5. Nothing else to donate but still want to do good? Give a Fudai!
Lucky you! Spring cleaning must be such a breeze! You can still spread some festive joy to the less fortunate by making a $50 donation to Community Chest’s Fu Dai (Festive Pack) campaign. The packs are filled with festive items and necessities, and will be delivered to frail and lonely seniors who live alone. Give a Fu Dai and give them hope this Lunar New Year!
