I just re-read a post from last June about organizing my closets and drawers.  What a hoot! They are just about the same as they were then, only, of course, there is a year’s worth of more clothes in them. In all fairness to me, I have donated clothes to various organizations. I had one adventure in closet emptying that you may find entertaining. If you are around my age, you may identify with the situation:

I pick out my nicest things that I no longer wear. Many of them, I have not worn for several years, but all are classic pieces. Some slacks are too big, and some jackets are no longer flattering on me. Nothing is in disrepair, everything is clean. Those items that I have doubts about, I launder. So I create a good sized pile of clothing that I am sure I had paid very good money for at the time. So the thought ran through my head, maybe I can get a few bucks for them if I bring them to the thrift shop on the highway. I go on their website and I read the requirements. I take out a few things and dig a little deeper into my closets and drawers and add a few other items to the collection. I now have a very nice shopping bag, filled to the top with clothes, all in excellent condition and mostly timeless classics.

I bring this collection to the location and get on a short line of women who are dropping off their treasures as well.  When it is my turn, they ask for my name and phone number and ask if I will be available in half an hour. I will not be, so they agree to text me with their verdict: will they accept some of my items or not.

I am confused. Am I not donating? Anyway, I go about my business and in about an hour, I receive a text from them, saying that they are done and I can come back anytime before closing. I get back there in another hour and get on another line. I see someone else getting their items back…I am a little dubious. It is now my turn. The young woman hands me back ALL of my items. She says: these are all Talbots and Chicos.  I am confused and ask what that means. She patiently explains that their clientele is much younger and that merchandise will not sell…at 70% off the store price…

I walk out, shell shocked, carrying everything I brought in. I take the bag to my usual donation collection point behind the Senior Center, where I know the proceeds will go to the Municipal Alliance. As I put them in the shed, I am still shaking my head… If you are looking for a moral to the story, I don’t have one. Feel free to message me if you have a suggestion for what I was supposed to have learned from my experience…