We can't give it away -- what gives?

I wrote yesterday about some great ways to give for the holidays. I also wrote about how we as Americans throw away so much stuff each year that is surpases that of some small countries. That is staggering. It began to trigger many thoughts about what we do with our "old" stuff that we do not use anymore. I feel very strongly about the "3 R's" and try my best to reduce and reuse as much as possible. Here is my problem -- and maybe you can help. We have many old articles of clothing that we have tried many times to take to thrift stores, The Salvation Army, and other organizations like that who all tell us they are closed for donations and are completely filled. Really? Can they truely be completely filled? I see at least one person each day walking the streets of Bozeman that could use some of the stuff we are trying to give. It is in good shape and should be something they can match up with someone that needs it. Why is it so hard to donate? Where do we take this stuff? I really hate to throw perfectly good clothing away but what are my options? What I would love to see in Bozeman is something like The Hope Center in my home town of Edmond , Oklahoma. This is what they do from their website: The Hope Center served approximately 30,000 people in 2003 of which 75% were women and children. Problems seen at Hope Center include divorce, unemployment, illness, homelessness, and child abuse. An important function of Hope Center is to provide referral service to clients on resources available to them in the Oklahoma County area. The Hope Center strives to focus on long term solutions to client problems by requiring them to complete a specific plan to improve their situation, such as, look for employment, apply for disability, reduce expenses, or seek financial counseling. While this group is more than just a place for us to donate our "old" things, it is great to see them reaching out to the local communities. What are other ways we could use our old stuff? GreenlaGirl would probably find a great way to change them into coasters or flower pots but I am not that creative -- nor that great with my knitting needles! Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below. ..be bold