Announcing Our Amazing 2018 Stuff-A-Way! [closed]

Question

Mar 5 UPDATE: This order is proving a bit more laborious to expedite than our vendor had originally anticipated, so these boxes haven't been shipped out yet. Anyone who filled in a form should receive an email with tracking information as soon as their box is shipped. Anyone who didn't catch the email on time, please see this other post.

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Jan 30 UPDATE: JNat just sent out emails to collect addresses — be on the lookout for those, and try to fill it in the next two weeks! :)

Did you receive any gifts that you'd appreciate a lot more if they were actually something that you could use, or even wanted? Do you still have some from the last few years? Don't feel bad, we've got you. Curious? Read on.

If you're reading this, there's a good chance that you've got, well, stuff. We've got stuff too, in fact, we have so much stuff that we really need to make room to order new stuff. And in order to do that, we need to give it away.

But we feel kinda bad about giving people that have an abundance of stuff even more stuff when there are so many folks out there that really need stuff, especially in colder climates right now. Our branded flashlights, keychains, stickers, mugs, mouse pads, aprons, and things of that sort are super cool, but they aren't things that charities can use directly without burning additional overhead.

That's where the stuff-a-way idea comes in. Here's how it works:

1. You give stuff that you don't need to people that need it. That could mean dropping off some stuff to a charity, food bank, making a donation to a non-profit that can help people (if money is the thing you have too much of), handing a blanket and a cup of coffee to a homeless person, or whatever makes someone's life better than it was before you did your thing.
2. You write an answer to this question and let us know that you did something and tell us about your random act of kindness. You can share as much or as little as you'd like; we're going to take your word for it. In your answer, tell us what sites in our network you like the most (we'll go by where you participate if you don't).
3. We will send you a shoebox full of swag that you'll be sure to like. See what we did there? Everyone wins because:
   1. Those in need get stuff they can use immediately (things like mouse pads, aprons, pens, stickers, notebooks, and keychains aren't on that list, we're sure).
   2. You get rid of stuff you don't need. We empty our warehouse for the most part to make room for all new stuff. Your sweat equity is getting out to do something nice, our's is handling all the shipping of the goodies.
   3. You get stuff you want, in the form of a loot-box style package from us.

If you'd rather not receive anything, just say so. This event is structured so that we make sure giving is all about what the recipients actually need and the warm feelings from it come secondary (which is why we don't just bulk-donate thousands of dollars worth of stuff); beyond that, we're cool with whatever terms you like.

The rules

1. Any user of MSE in good standing is eligible, including employees, but only one entry per person is allowed. Likewise, prizes are limited to one per participant.

2. You must ensure that your email address associated with your account is current and verified by our system to receive your box. Not hearing back from folks is a big problem for this kind of event, so make sure the email associated with your account works, and is one that you check at least semi-frequently.

3. To participate, you must make some kind of needed donation to a person or charitable organization in need of what you have. Canned food for a food bank? Good. Old laptops for any educational purpose? Good. A bag of fast food for a homeless person? Good. We trust that you will do good things and not require adult supervision, please prove us correct there. Also, homeless shelters need socks, sanitary pads, diapers, etc - a little research in your area can go a long way.

4. Sweat equity is accepted as a donation (in which you go volunteer your time somewhere that meets the spirit of this event). Again, we trust that you'll make us proud of you.

5. This event will remain open until it's very likely that we're just about out of stuff to send. That could be a month, a week, or whatever. It's hard to say with these types of events.

6. Oh yes, the prizes! Boxes will include multiple things consisting of pens, sharpies, stickers, drink holders, aprons, battery packs, flashlights, mugs, mouse pads, staplers and other office supplies, games, shirts, hats and other items branded Stack Overflow or after other Stack Exchange websites. Some items will also include rarer prizes like hoodies, other branded outerwear and bags, books, and other surprise items.

7. While we'll ask for your preferences, we can't guarantee what's going to be in any given box. It's a mystery, but it will be cool stuff!

8. Our code of conduct applies to any and all activity related to this event.

Now, head to those closets, attics, or those boxes that might be under a pile of more appreciated gifts and help everyone get something that they want and need at the end of the holiday season this year.

While we hope to be able to do this again in the future, it'll depend on what we've got laying around. If any of our customers signal that they want to throw in some stuff to sweeten the communal pot luck, we'll update the post (I honestly haven't talked to anyone about this yet, kinda winging it, so check back occasionally for updates).

Commence the stuff-a-way! And, enjoy being good to your fellow living creatures that could use a little help right now.

Thank you, everyone!

The stories you've shared are full of great examples that we hope will inspire others to adopt new and creative ways of giving to those that need some help. From reminding all of us that donating blood can literally save lives, to ideas surrounding creative kits that contain essential supplies and some gift cards, you've given lots of folks great ideas and been an inspiration. This was an experiment, and because of you, it was a resounding success!

We'll be reaching out soon (really, allow the full 6 to 8 weeks here as this is a huge effort) and getting everyone that wants one their boxes of goodies. We'll very likely do something similar to this as part of Stack Exchange Gives Back next year, so stay tuned, and thanks again to everyone that participated!

Answer 1

The company I work for is very involved within their community. This year, we participated in the 500K Meal Pack Out drive for Islamic Relief USA. While I don't keep much extra food stocked at home, I went to the store to purchase a bunch of canned goods to donate for the drive. We dropped the food off in December, and a group also volunteered to help actually pack the boxes.

In addition to this, my wife and I tend to make multiple trips throughout the year to drop off extra clothes, electronics (so many extra computer parts!), and home goods at Goodwill. We also donate to various charities, but those mainly tend to be environmental and science based organizations (World Wildlife Fund, VA State Parks, planetariums, etc.).

It's very inspiring to read the stories of how people are helping people. This event is amazing. Thanks for putting it together!

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_{Most active on StackOverflow.}

Answer 2

I lost a cat last year, and had a bunch of in-date elderly-kitty cat-food that my new little monsters won't touch, so I've given it to the local wildlife rescue centre for the rescued hedgehogs and fox cubs.

Today I donated an old pair of glasses (never used) to be sent to India to do some good.

And a neighbour who tends the garden of an elderly neighbour took away a bunch of stuff from the garage/shed that I can't use (health problems). (Honest disclosure: I will get veggies next year as a result, as well as a clear garage).

And Oxfam agreed to turn up with two men in a van to clear my 'book room; (30 years accumulation of books and CDs that I don't use any more.)

I could get into this... However, My partner has locked away his entirely excessive clothes collection. And the cats do not seem inclined to share their toy mice.

Answer 3

As part of our supposedly annual, but often bi- or even tri-ennial house clean-up before xmas, we at the end of 2018 donated 5 large bin-bags of good used clothing & 4 still serviceable [up to at least Win7 if not newer] computers to local causes.

We didn't do this so anyone would "think well of us" or even say, "thank you" - we did it because it simply seems the right thing to do with things perfectly usable but no longer required.

That it may win me a flashlight feels like I now need a round of applause... but no, I'd just very much appreciate a new flashlight.

Answer 4

Went through our closets and was able to fill three garbage bags full of clothes and blankets that we don't use anymore and took them to Goodwill.

Answer 5

I recently purchased a new laptop to replace my previous one, which was insufficient for my gaming and other needs. In lieu of discarding it or sending it to E-waste, I instead reinstalled a clean environment, and gave it to a fellow student at my school who did not have a laptop to use (with the software they needed pre-installed)¹. I'm hopeful that the laptop I considered a clunker might get at least two or three more years of life before it undergoes E-waste recycling.

I've also committed to donating some of my old clothing/shoes that is either too worn or no longer fits me well. I've identified a location that will accept it, separate reusable vs recyclable articles, and put everything to good use. Unfortunately, since I'm home on break I won't be able to actually do this until next week.

¹ It included all of my tech company and hackathon stickers, including a Stack Overflow sticker.

My favorite Stack Exchange sites (in terms of recent use and academic benefit to me) are Stack Overflow, electronics.SE, and Code Review.

Answer 6

We made our annual donation to a local shelter for women and children who need a way out of abusive relationships. This is a very important institution for us, as they provide a useful resource for the local underserved population and are working on healthcare, refugee, and feed-the-homeless initiatives as well.

Stack Overflow is my favorite Stack Exchange site and the one I contribute to the most.

Answer 7

I have volunteered / contributed for multiple causes. I will list them below :

• Since the age of 18, I am a regular blood donor. I am 28 now and till now I can say I've done it for almost 28 times. All it started because my uncle wanted blood for bypass surgery and I donated mine to him. And since then I regularly visiting any nearby blood bank and volunteer by donating blood.

• When I was studying in college I used to visit Gurudwara which was near to my place. Every Thursday they organize Langar for all. That time I wanted to help them and contribute something from my end. But because that time I was not earning I do volunteer for serving food to them. So every Thursday I visit Gurudwara just to help people serve food. Even today when I get time I visit Gurudwara and help them as much as I can. Even I visit nearby orphanage sometimes and bring some snacks and food for the little angels.

Apart from this I also do contribution for cause like Relief fund, Fund for Martyr, make homeless children happy by giving them whatever they wants.

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My favorite sites are Stack Overflow,Hinduism SE, Seasoned Advice and Coffee

PS: As of now I don't have any pictures or any receipt available with me but If I will find something I will definitely update it over here.

Answer 8

I donated to a charity that runs a year round day camp for children who are sick. The camp has medical staff so they (the children) can experience camp without much worry about their illnesses.

I participate in SO, RPG SE, and recently Martial Arts SE.

Answer 9

I live in Colombia and there are multiple villages with very poor people that are always in need of something.

Once every 2-3 months I collect old-but-in-good-state (and sometimes brand new) clothes, shoes, and toys from my family, friends, and neighbours, and send them to those poor people.

They are always very grateful and receive us with kindness and generosity!

_{My favorite sites are SO and Arqade.}

Answer 10

Every couple of months, my family donates a large bag of clothes, toys and general stuff that we no longer use or require to our local charity shop. This is largely driven by my wife, in order to free up space.

If it was left to me, I would likely hoard it all for life...

I might need that t-shirt/pair of jeans for painting and decorating... ok, I have 7 painting t-shirts and 3 pairs of jeans...

So I'm glad my good wife organises regular clear outs and that it might be useful to others.

Also, if I see someone sleeping rough on the walk in to work, I will try to buy them a coffee and some breakfast.

I participate mainly SO and MetaSO.

Clear out evidence with clothes ready to go to charity shop:

Answer 11

Posting here for the first time. Too scared to post here as many heroes have posted their stories. So this about last year on Sep 4, 2018, that is my birthday. I was watching all the stories on WhatsApp as most of them are about me. So one of my friend's post came across, who have posted a blood donation ASAP request from a hospital source.

So I called that given number as they required A+ same of my blood. Then I visited that hospital first, while the doctor was injecting needle I don't know what went on my mind I thought I'll be dead after this (newbie in this work also I have a phobia of injections). But all went well I did feel weakness for about 15 to 20 mins but after that, I've executed my all birthday plans.

There are more stories as my parents believe in donation but this story is a favorite of mine as I had decided to donate blood every 3 months. So last month I did that again.

Answer 12

Old story, but thinking back it was the best good deed I've ever made, though it doesn't have happy ending.

About 15 years ago, I was young, had a decent job already, and had very little expenses. I was very active in online programming forum (it's shut down by now) and acquired several good friends there. One of them was a 60+ years old programmer who worked as freelance for long years, called Daniel. (From USA)

Daniel kept in touch with me via email and we wrote each other regularly. At some point, he said that he got only one big project he's working on, with a client who promised to pay when the project is done, some big amount of money. Time passed, and about a year after that he said he finished the big project, sent it all to the client (who wasn't in the US), and the client.... vanished into thin air. No money. No client. No way to contact them anymore.

He didn't find new projects, being dedicated 100% to that big project and counting on the money to arrive, and it reached a point he was totally out of money. He also had no family that could help, and no IRL friends.

Realizing it's really serious, I asked how I can help, in any way, and he said that only cash money would help in that stage. I asked for his address and sent to that address a big programming book (forgot what it was), with 25 bills of $100 each (attached with transparent adhesive tape so they won't fall) hidden inside it.

After few weeks he sent me the last email I ever got from him, saying big thanks for the money and that it's not enough to keep him at his home, and that he's being thrown to the street very soon. He made it clear it's pointless to try and send more money, and that he'll contact me if things will get better. He didn't.

Answer 13

Me and my wife are passionate gamers, so we always have the need for the latest hardware. Not because we actually need it, but because we can afford it.

Instead of having multiple rigs catching dust I spend my freetime fixing our old stuff and once in a while when we replaced or fixed enough hardware to have fully working PCs (or even consoles) I donate them to the friendly neighborhood youth club where I used to hang around for years. (Don't worry, I keep our hard drives and install new ones instead.)

I'm still grateful for the stuff they do with the kids and teenagers to get them off the street, so I'll likely keep it up in the future and donate hardware to them whenever they can use it. They gave me a lot when I was a kid and it's the least I can do to give something in return.

Answer 14

My wife and I make a monthly donation to a local charity organization.

This organization focuses on helping people pull themselves out of poverty, by mentoring, helping them build a budget, and finding ways for them to increase their incomes and lower their expenses. It's a charity organization that aims to make itself unnecessary.

Answer 15

Long time lurker here...

My office donates gifts for disadvantaged children to St. Vincent de Paul, a charity that fights the effects of poverty in Ireland. This year I chose two 10 year olds, a boy and a girl. The boy I got Lego, and for the girl a really well illustrated book about famous Irish women in history. These were probably the only gifts those children got this year, I hope they enjoy them.

Shoutout to StackOverflow for all the help through the years!

Answer 16

I just started supporting The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe with a monthly donation on Patreon.

The SGU's mission is to spread love of science and critical thinking – a thing we really need in a world that is increasingly full of fake and with a rising contempt for reality. So for me, this is about joining forces to make the world a better place, at a really high level.

They produce an awesome podcast! Take a listen. And I encourage you to support them as well if you agree with the mission.

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I don't know if the above digital donation counts as "stuff"... Just to be on the safe side, I can say that we also just did a major clean-up of our house and gave away loads of cool toys to our neighbours who have younger kids than ours. Toys are stuff!

Answer 17

I just recently relocated and changed a lot of my bad habits due to a new job and a new person I wanted to become connected with that.

One of the bad habits I had as the previous person I was, was that I had been sort of an compulsive hoarder. I fortunately already successfully overcame that habit within the last 3 months. One of the things I hoarded en mass, were my clothing. I always felt like "for some reason at some day it might fit again, so I have my clothing of almost the last 10 years hoarded in my old flat, which I have to empty out by first of April. I planed to just trash anything I won't have use for and just give away my clothes in an easy way. But this meta post made me reconsider it. I decided the time to get rid of my old clothing is not "sometime till April", but now when it is most useful for others. Also I will be more considered about what might be of use for others and what in fact is just trash, when the time has come for getting my flat empty.

My favorite stacks are, Stackoverflow, as that was the site that gave me a head start into my career; professional speaking and also I just found out through SO of the whole network. Then Arqade as.... well, I like gaming, and I am someone playing video games on a metagaming way, so I come every now and then up with questions, that not many gamers come up with, so not necessarily easy to find that in the internet, but there my questions get answered quick. And last but absolute not least, Interpersonal Skills as that site helped me so much in becoming who I am right now, and even the job I am in right now (which is awesome) I only applied, because on IPS someone adviced me applying at this company, as that company supports employees with conditions like I have, when I described my situation in one of my posts there.

Answer 18

I donated blood someone indeed ( one of my friends of friends ) . Helping people who troubling with small tech issues related to mobile or laptops are my main job over these years. so much friends and aged people trust me for that.

Last year, our state face a huge disaster as the form of flood. we use social media as well as physical help to someone indeed. proud to be a part of that rescue as much as I can.

i am mostly using stackoverflow

Answer 19

Last month, I realized I had way too much stuff, so I packed up half my closet (including hats, gloves, formal and casual wear), and the majority of my dishes and food storage containers, and dropped them off at a thrift shop. This helps me out too, as my kitchen is now much better organized and convenient to use.

I'm mostly on StackOverflow and dabble in Music.

Answer 20

I have a lot of clothing that I don't wear anymore, so a few weeks ago I dropped off a box of clothes to a local charity so that someone else can use and enjoy them.

Favorite website: Stack Overflow

Answer 21

Not long ago I donated to a foundation 'HulpHond' and participated in a nationwide event where dog owners were asked to bring their dog and join the 'Big Walk', to help raise awareness for this foundation.

This foundation aims to improve the lives of physically/mentally impaired people by using assistance dogs to support them.

Answer 22

We took the opportunity to declutter and donated clothes and household items to local charities that provide for needy families and the homeless. Coats are a much needed item this time of year and we were able to donate several to our local 'Coats For Families' charity.

My favorite Stack sites are Seasoned Advice, The Workplace, Ask Different, and Music.

Answer 23

I donated a couple of old winter coats to the New York Cares Coat Drive. Also we had a catering service at my office and I bagged some of the leftover bread and gave it to a couple of people who asked for help in the subway :)

Also moved recently and donated some appliances and pillows to a local Goodwill near our old apartment

Answer 24

We regularly give clothes, housewares and toys to our local St Clare Hospice. Our little boy is growing like a weed, so it is becoming a regular stop.

Answer 25

I recently helped an elderly couple who was downsizing pack up their whole house. Some of it they kept, but most of it was taken to a thrift store charity. Some of the furniture went directly to children coming from other countries as well.

In leiu of commenting on the other 93 (and counting) answers, I wanted to add how encouraging these all are to get out and do some good!

Answer 26

This past holiday season my department adopted a family to purchase gifts for to make their holidays special.

If I recall, our department raised about $600 and was able to purchase everything from their list, including necessities and toys for the little ones.

I donated $20 to help the management team pick out items and helped carry items up to our floor so they could be wrapped up after everything was purchased. ( I would have helped wrap, but I'm awful at that stuff. )

I mostly use Stack Overflow.

Answer 27

I regularly donate blood to the American Red Cross (over 2 gallons so far), and a portion of each paycheck to my local church that supports mission trips to build homes Mexico and drilling for wells in Africa, among other things.

Last year I donated my time (four 12-hour/day weekends, and then some) to build a coffee bar/buffet for my kid's school auction. It turned out really good and the whole package brought in $1700 for their class! That was my first time trying something this big, and I'm so glad it turned out so well.

Here is a picture of the coffee bar I built (other families donated the items on it):

^{I like a lot of the StackExchange sites, but I use StackOverflow the most. Woodworking and Home Improvement were helpful for the coffee bar. I also like reading the questions on aviation and cooking. I'd prefer something wearable (even an apron), but most everything else looks good, too. I definitely don't need a mug or mousepad, though.}

Answer 28

International Aid

I have organized two fundraising events to help refugees, homeless, and malnourished children in Venezuela.

We receive donations (and I have donated some items myself) to use in our silent auctions and raise more funds.

If anyone is inclined to help, here they can donate here: UNHCR fundraising page: https://fundraise.unhcr.ca/team/184796

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As for my favourite site, I spent most of my time on StackOverflow... with the odd visit to meta, arduino, and apple's stacks

Answer 29

I recently moved, which gave me an opportunity to find a lot of clothes and children's toys that I donated to the Salvation Army. As my kids outgrow things (or I simply realize I'm never going to wear something), it's nice to be able to give it to somewhere where it is more likely to be used.

My family also donated to a children's hospital in El Salvador, where some of my in-laws are from and have connections to.

Answer 30

Whenever I make small purchases, I always try to pay cache (5/10/20 dollar bills). I save up the coins I get as change and give them to some good cause at the end of the year.

Although I prefer not disclosing the amount, I am always surprised how many coins pass through my hands in a year! Last year I sponsored CoderDojo and Tim Hortons Children's Foundation, amongst others.