Another Christmas has come and gone. You’re happy, stuffed full of turkey and enjoying the chaos that fills the house with the bounty from the holidays. The kids of playing with their shiny new toys and you’re enjoying your new gifts. Ah, life is good.

Then, as you wake up on Boxing Day, you realize you have more stuff than you know what to do with. There isn’t room for it all! Well, good news. There are many places that would gladly take your gently loved stuff as you fill your home with your new treasures.

Here are some ideas for where to spread the holiday cheer.

Your Local Hospital

Most hospitals will accept gently used plastic toys that have been cleaned or books.

Brody from UsedRegina did a blog about this exact topic earlier this year.

Your Local Sports Club

Example: KidSport, Winnipeg, MB

KidSport is national charity administered by Sport Manitoba that helps to remove barriers and assist less fortunate children participate in sport – so all kids can play. They will accept new or gently used sporting equipment. There are organizations like this in most major cities. A quick google search will help you locate the one nearest to you.

Your Local Women’s Shelter

Example: Victoria Cool Aid Society– Victoria, BC

Most Women’s Shelters will accept used or new items: household items, like dishes, pots and pans, linens and towels; small household appliances like toasters and microwaves; computers; and office equipment or supplies as well as toys.

Big Brothers & Big Sisters

Big Brothers & Big Sisters is a national organization that will come to your home and pick up gently used clothing and small appliances.

Canadian Diabetes Association

100% of net proceeds raised by Clothesline® directly support the Canadian Diabetes Association and world leading diabetes research, education and advocacy.

Moores Clothing For Men

Moores Clothing hosts an annual suit drive to collect business clothes for unemployed people looking for work. They have yet to announce their 2013 dates yet but if you have a donation, you can just put it aside.

Usedeverywhere.com

Lots of people comb our site for freebies. If you there is stuff you’d like to pass along to another family that might not be accepted by a charity (furniture, large toys etc.) feel free to list it on our site. Our “Community Angels” also gather free used stuff on the site to help families in need. Here’s what our Angels have been up to this holiday season.

These are just a few ideas of how to pay-it-forward this holiday season. There’s no better way to teach your kids about the holiday spirit than by sharing with others. And, it’s a great way to clean house and get a start on those new year’s resolutions. A real win-win.