It may still be winter, but it's not too early to start thinking about doing a little spring cleaning. It's amazing the amount of stuff – clothing, books, furniture – you can accumulate throughout your stay in China. But once everything is sorted out, what should you do with it all? Luckily, there are places that will take all your unwanted items and give it to those who are truly in need. In the United States we call them Goodwill, in England they're charity shops – but whatever you call them, these organisations continue running on your generosity and support.

Shanghai

Heart to Heart Shanghai

This is a non-profit group supporting children undergoing heart operations at the Shanghai Children's Medical Center or the Shanghai Yodak Cardio-Thoracic Hospital. They are always in need of various items such as used clothing (either children or adult sizes), toys, books, blankets, and writing utensils. If you would like to buy something especially to donate, consider infant food formula (and other foods high in protein), disposable diapers and baby lotion. Don't know what to do with the accumulation of mini shampoos, conditioners and soaps you get from hotels? Donate them here! Email donations@h2hsh.net for more information or visit their website at http://www.heart2heartshanghai.net/h2h/howyoucanhelp.cfm.

The Library Project

The Library Project donates used books to schools and orphanages in developing areas of Asia that do not have the funds to purchase them. The idea behind the project is to break "the poverty cycle through education." As of now, this charity has donated to more than 19 provinces and 34 regions throughout China. You can donate your used books or, if you want to become more involved, volunteer to help organise book donation drives, fundraisers, library sponsorships, or help deliver the books on site. Call (021) 159 2955 6183 for more information or email Christine at Christine@library-project.org. You can also learn more by visiting the website, http://www.library-project.org/book_collections.html.

River of Hearts

An affiliate of the Community Center Shanghai, River of Hearts organises huge donation drives to collect used clothing and other assorted items. "Sorting parties" are then held at one of the various international schools in both Puxi and Pudong so the clothing can find its way to those in need. Donations are collected three times per year (usually around February, May and November) but you can drop items off at any time. The Pudong drop-off site is Green Villas, Villa c14, 700 Biyun Lu (contact Emma at 5031-4070 for any questions). There are five Puxi drop-off locations, one of which is at the Metro Town Property Management Office (Level B2), 890 Changning Lu (contact Melvin at 139-1608-8007 for any questions). Check out their website at http:www.riverofhearts.org for additional drop-off sites and more information.

Beijing

Roundabout

Roundabout acts as a sort of middleman when it comes to donating your used goods in Beijing. They accept everything from second-hand clothes to bedding to appliances to furniture to household goods. All items they receive are then distributed by them to over thirty different charities throughout the area. Up until recently, they sold whatever "non-essential" items they received (such as home décor accessories, etc.) to cover the costs of hiring trucks, rent, etc. However, they are currently in the process of finding a new physical address to which you can drop off your items. For now, you can call 137 1877 7761 to find out exactly where you should deliver your goods.

Sun Village

The Beijing Sun Village Special Children Aid Center aims to help children of imprisoned convicts receive the education and support that they need. Started by Shuqin Zhang in 1996, there are currently over six villages located throughout China, which help around 800 children and counting. Sun Village currently accepts used clothing, books and other children's items for distribution among the country. They are located in Banqiao County, Zhaoquanying Town, Shunyi District, but can arrange to pick up your donated items if you call 6044-3906 or email ertongcun@163.com with your name and a list of items to be picked up.

Operation Blessing

This is a Christian-based charity that aims to "transform the lives of needy and impoverished communities." Partnered with the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation, Operation Blessing is mainly concerned with improving the poor sanitation situation that many people in poverty face. To help, you can donate one or more Life Kits by filling a Ziploc bag with the following new items: hand towel, bar of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, mini shampoo, package of band-aids, package of tissues, package of wet wipes. Then simply mail your kit(s) to Operation Blessing China (Life Kits), Suite 106, Golden Land Building, 32 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang, Beijing P.R. China 100016. Visit their website at http://www.obchina.org/get-involved/life-kits/ for more information on how to get involved.

Other

For those who find it easier or more convenient to donate money, the Chi Heng Foundation dedicates itself to educating and supporting AIDS orphans in central China and promoting HIV/AIDS education across the country. They accept donations in any amount and can be reached via their website at http://www.chfaidsorphans.com/staticpage.php?id=23. The Yao Ming Foundation is also a well-known charity, founded in 2008 by none other than the basketball star himself. This charity accepts monetary donations that are used towards building new, earthquake-resistant schools throughout China. Yao Ming covers all administrative costs, so 100% of your money (supposedly) goes towards the building of schools. Check out their website at http://www.theyaomingfoundation.org/YaoMing/HowYouCanHelp.html for more information.

No matter how you choose to give, remember that there are others out there less fortunate than yourself. Take a moment to donate your unused and unwanted items to those in need of a helping hand.

Related links
Help Thy Neighbour: Explaining Civic Apathy in China
Charity in China: The Low Down on Street Begging
Survey: What Are Chinese Attitudes Towards Charity?

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