Gearforward.org - Donate used camping gear

[rickb]

After decades of reading the Campmor catalog, I stopped by their store for the first time yesterday.

Of particular note was a gaylord Box near the registers where people could donate used camping equipment.

Turns out they had partnered with this organization:

https://www.gearforward.org/blog/gea...gear-donations

Looked like a great idea.

Not sure, But I am thinking there must be other ways to get donations to them if you are not in NJ.

[perrymk]

I've donated gear locally using Freecycle. Once a tent to some college students who wanted to try camping, another time a backpack to a single mom's Boy Scout son.

[DownYonder]

We've donated to a local boy scout troop twice. A lot of disadvantaged kids in our area who can put the equipment to work.

[Dogwood]

You can mail used gear directly to GearForward. Both GF and Camphor certainly accept new gear donated for others as well. Campmor partners with several trail support organizations like GearForward and NJ/NY Trail Conference.


How satisfying it is to volunteer leading young folk at risk on hikes or who would otherwise not initiate getting outdoors to get out. Introducing kids to the outdoors to reconnect to Nature, instilling environmental stewardship is so rewarding, to see those smiles and build knowledge and skills to create confidence in going outside. To have youngsters say they loved a pack or tent and then be able to say to them '"good, it's yours" is a gift worth giving. Donations can be made to trail crews/maintenance clubs too. There are so many trail clubs and County Outdoor Depts that would jump to have folks step forward acting beyond ourselves to offer leading a hike or Nature talk. The hiking community can do more! It's not just up to the companies but us as individuals.

It's utter nonsense to avow hiking has to be a selfish vacation! That applies to LD hiking too!!!

Another area worth volunteering is at Asst living facilities to make Nature presentations and lead Nature and garden 'walks' particularly among those less mobile or physically challenged. SP's and NP's are often eager to embrace Docents.

The experiences can strengthen an outdoors or environmental or scientific field of professional study resume leading to FT or PT salaried employment. Some gear manufacturers offer varied discounts to
such people too. Want pro deals? Behave like a pro. Karma. Sowing and reaping.

[rickb]

Good thoughts, Dogwood.

In a related vein, it is VERY easy to help out your favorite organization after your gone by simply naming it as the beneficiary (or contingent beneficiary) to an IRA, 401K, or brokerage account.

No lawyer, Will or probate needed.

You can even do this with CDs held at brick and mortar banks (pretty sure deposit accounts too) by having them designated as ITF accounts [Totton Trusts). Very simple.


Takes just a few minutes — set it and forget it.

Giving away an old tent or such is more fun though!

[Dogwood]

Mahalo Rick. PM about HI with the SO if you ever go again.