There are two kinds of people in the world: those who throw nothing away because they think it might come in handy and those who save very little.
The first group sometimes adds to the clutter of the planet. But often the second group discards things that might be much appreciated by people in need.
A few months ago a Deseret Morning News reader suggested forming a Salt Lake City "coat bank," a clearing house for old coats to help cover the homeless when the snow flies. A recent story suggested sending old prosthetic devices to a "limb bank." Artificial limbs, by law, can't be re-used in the United States. But they can be disassembled and sent to foreign lands where people receive them gratefully.
The Rotary Club has made a project of collecting used eyeglasses. Many people, when they need a new prescription, simply toss out their old lenses without thinking that a person in the Third World could look through them and see a whole new world.
Cell phones are also often thrown out. Many school groups collect old cell phones for charity. There are charities that need cars, microwave ovens, clocks, art supplies and toys. And, of course, "gently used" clothing is always in demand, especially snow clothes, boots and winter hats for children.
In Utah, people have a reputation for being kind that has been documented by statistics. So if eyeglasses, cell phones and other items are ending up at the landfill, it is probably because the owners didn't realize their worth. The quickest way to find out what can be put to use is with the Internet. By Googling "charity" and "needed items," dozens of Web sites pop up — including many Utah charities — with a specific list of things that would help.
One charity lists its "dream donation" as a minivan. Another would simply like to get some Halloween costumes.
In short, no one needs to give till it hurts. But what does hurt is when people toss things that others desperately need —items the owners would be willing to give away — if only a connection had been made.
We urge readers to go the extra mile to make those connections.