Habitat for Humanity took my kitchen. There, I said it. And I couldn’t be happier.

Hopefully, the pristine, heavily lacquered maple cabinets manufactured by Germany’s Siematic fetch a good price at one of the organizations’ ReStore shops. In turn, those monies will be used for Habitat’s main job – giving former president Jimmy Carter something to do (kidding).

I have to say that of all the former presidents of my generation, Carter certainly gave back the most to his country and the world. Democrat or Republican, you have to admit his work with Habitat, which helps the less fortunate build their own homes, is nothing less than heroic. His public support is probably the only reason I’ve heard of them.  And Habitat for Humanity has grown. It supports 1,400 communities in the U.S. as well as more than 70 countries globally.

For many years, I’ve done my small part by donating unused or unneeded household goods, construction supplies and fixtures from each of my renovation projects. I feel especially good this time because the size of this job increased what I could donate.

It was interesting and small world-y when I reached out to the organization to discuss what I had and what they could use. Turned out I was speaking with one of the daughters of a former Athena neighbor who’s been following my Athena sale and “penthouse plunge.”

So I have some tips for you.

Whatever you donate has to be working and relatively new. This is slightly new to me.  When I donated 1960s avocado appliances (working) from the Athena renovation, I was wary. But I was told that “sometimes it’s the ugly stuff that sells quicker.”  I guess even before The Brady Bunch Renovation, people were looking for vintage pieces to recreate their childhoods (or acid trips).

Because they were hauling around a lot of truly unsalable junk, they had a rethink about what sold and at the best profit. That’s smart.

If you have a lot, they will pick-up. In my case, I filled a truck to the rafters with appliances, faucets, cabinets, custom millwork, glass, etc. If, on the other hand, you’re swapping out your kitchen sink, throw it in the trunk and drive it over. Once you’ve got them talking, offer to send photographs.

Remember, just because it’s a charity, doesn’t mean it’s your charity. If it’s junk, throw it in your dumpster, don’t waste their money picking it up to throw it in theirs. That’s pretty crappy.

You’ll find all the contact information whether you’re donating or shopping here. And remember, they don’t just take stuff … they take cash too. Put them on your Christmas list and keep former President Carter off the streets.

Remember:  High-rises, HOAs, and renovation are my beat. But I also appreciate modern and historical architecture balanced against the YIMBY movement. In 2016, 2017, and 2018, the National Association of Real Estate Editors recognized my writing with three Bronze (2016, 2017, 2018) and two Silver (2016, 2017) awards.  Have a story to tell or a marriage proposal to make?  Shoot me an email [email protected]. Be sure to look for me on Facebook and Twitter. You won’t find me, but you’re welcome to look.