2010-01-15

NeighborGoods helps you help others

If you've been following our blog, you might remember the story of the backpack that inspired the creation of NeighborGoods.

I was getting ready to visit Thailand and I needed a backpack. I asked around to see if I could borrow one but I wasn't able to find one in the limited time I had to plan my trip. I ended up spending over $200 on something I was likely to use only once (maybe twice).

I realized that this was true for most of the stuff I own. We all waste a ton of money buying stuff we only need for a little while, and then the stuff just sits there, gathering dust in our closets and garages. I created NeighborGoods to solve that problem.

Since posting the backpack on NeighborGoods, it's gotten way more use than it was getting hidden away in my closet. I feel good about reducing waste and helping my friends by letting them borrow the backpack. In a weird way, I feel like I'm doing the backpack a favor as well. By ensuring it gets used for its intended purpose, I'm showing the backpack (and the money I spent on it) the respect it deserves.

A couple days ago my backpack almost had a chance to help the earthquake survivors in Haiti. My friend Daniel placed a request on NeighborGoods to borrow it for his trip to Haiti with a relief organization. I ran home from work to meet him and give him the backpack. Daniel had to get on an earlier flight, so unfortunately, we weren't able to meet up.

Even though my backpack didn't actually make it to Haiti, Daniel's request to borrow it highlighted the potential each item on NeighborGoods has to improve our community. It's an honor my backpack could never have never received locked up in my closet.

I knew sharing my stuff on NeighborGoods would connect me with my neighbors. I had no idea it could also connect me with people in need. Who knows how your stuff might benefit someone else?

To support the relief efforts in Haiti, donate to one of the organizations listed here.

Our thoughts and best wishes are with the victims and their families.