DONATION RESOURCE // Random Acts of Flowers

In every home we organize, there is that one cabinet (generally high up above the fridge) where vases go to live for eternity. When we find their forgotten hiding place, I’m always quick to mention Random Acts of Flowers (RAF) to clients, as there is such a HUGE need for vases to support their mission.

For years RAF has graced our donation guide, but we’ve never had the chance to share their story here. Thank you to Meggie Dials, Board Chair (and all around amazing steward of Indianapolis) for sharing her experience with RAF below.

What need did you see in the community that led you to get involved with Random Acts of Flowers (RAF)?

Many years ago, I started an organization called The Sussy Project where I took nominations for deserving people, and would "surprise someone with kindness" by sending them a "sussy" (defined as a gift given for no reason). The gift was not large in monetary value, but it showed that person that someone was thinking of them and felt they could use a smile. As life got busier for myself, the organization dissolved but my passion for random acts of kindness did not. When I was approached about a board position for Random Acts of Flowers, it felt like a natural fit. What a simple mission! And 5+ years later, I am finishing up my second year as Board President and truly just love what we do.

Organized | RESOURCESMaria BaerJune 6, 2023The Baer Minimalist, LLCDonation Resources, DonateComment

DONATION RESOURCE // 91 Place

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Karynn Adamowicz, Development & Communications for 91 Place, after being introduced by a mutual friend/client/supporter. After bonding over our commonly mispronounced names (“Maria pronounced Mariah” and “Karynn not Karen”), the conversation flowed right into the incredible work that 91 Place is doing inside of the Indianapolis community.

If you aren’t familiar with 91 Place (or even if you are), I encourage you to read the following post because this organization is doing so. much. good. It is amazing to see what can happen when a passionate individual has an incredible idea and gets to work making great things happen.

Organized | RESOURCESMaria BaerMay 30, 2023The Baer Minimalist, LLCDonation Resources, DonateComment

DONATION RESOURCE // Wishing Wings Boutique

Who remembers that feeling as a teen wanting to pick out just the right outfit for a special occasion? And that magical feeling when you nailed the look from head to toe?

In an effort to provide that experience for teens within the foster care system, Ginger Summer launched the Wishing Wings Boutique in Lebanon, Indiana.

Ginger has been a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) since 2017 which has given her the insight that youth within the system face many challenges. She said, “ I have seen kids go to new homes with nothing more than the clothes on their back or a trash bag full of ill-fitting odds and ends. Going to a new home without proper resources can be stressful and scary even for older kids who are often forgotten when it comes to donations, relocation needs, and other support.” This led her to open Wishing Wings Boutique so that all children have access to essential resources and give them a sense of dignity. Ginger shares a little more about Wishing Wings Boutique and how the community can lend a helping hand.

Organized | RESOURCESGracie GrouzardSeptember 14, 2022The Baer Minimalist, LLCDonation Resources, Kids, Closets, Recycling, DeclutterComment

DONATION RESOURCE // Project Play Inc.

Many parents might agree that toys have a superpower where they seem to multiply overnight…not to mention appear under our bare feet when we least expect it (we’re looking at you, Legos). When we work in homes where there is an abundance of toys that are no longer be pulled out to play with, we love being able to share the impact that Project Play Inc. has on the community (and set up a Donation Pick-Up while we’re at it).

Project Play Inc. takes donated toys and redistributes to children and families in need. The team at Project Play Inc. works diligently to meet the needs of kids who do not have toys or books to use. Angie Lacy, Occupational Therapist, Preschool Teacher and Founder of Project Play, took the time to share with us what Project Play Inc. does and how we can rehome our toys and books while benefitting the greater community.

DONATION RESOURCE // G.L.A.M.

Organized | RESOURCESKamy MitchellDecember 17, 2021The Baer Minimalist, LLCDonation Resources, DonateComment

DONATION RESOURCE // Mars Hill Arts Center

Have you ever looked inside your craft box and thought to yourself, what on Earth will I ever use these for? Maybe you have a pack of pipe cleaners or googly eyes, or maybe even a whole stack of construction paper? Well have we got news for you - we’ve located the perfect place for you to put all of your crafting supplies to good use!

Organized | RESOURCESKamy MitchellNovember 19, 2021The Baer Minimalist, LLCDonation Resources, Donate, Holidays, CraftsComment

DONATION RESOURCE // Helping Veterans And Families (HVAF)

Organized | RESOURCESKamy MitchellNovember 11, 2021The Baer Minimalist, LLCDonation Resources, DonateComment

DONATION RESOURCE // Indianapolis Animal Care Services

Calling ALL animal lovers! I have the perfect donation spot for you! Whether you have a pet, or have a soft spot for animals, I think you’ll love the opportunities to get involved here.

Organized | RESOURCESKamy MitchellOctober 12, 2021The Baer Minimalist, LLCDonation Resources, DonateComment

DONATION RESOURCE // Outreach Indiana

Who were your role models growing up? Maybe you looked up to your parents or grandparents, an aunt, a teacher, or maybe your neighbor down the street? I’m sure someone comes to mind for you, and you could probably tell me countless ways they’ve impacted how you live your life today.

Mary Voigt had some incredible role models growing up, sparking a passion to provide that same sense of support for others. She has been given the perfect opportunity to do so in her role as Communications Manager at Outreach Indiana, a local organization seeking to provide hope for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. While Mary has been such a positive light, she has received more in return than she ever expected.

Organized | RESOURCES, Organized | EVENTSKamy MitchellSeptember 17, 2021The Baer MinimalistDonation ResourcesComment

DONATION RESOURCE // Brides Against Breast Cancer

You go shopping for the perfect dress, look stunning on your big day, and then what? Likely you pack your wedding dress away to preserve it, maybe thinking your daughter will wear it one day. But nine times out of ten, daughters don’t wear their mother’s or grandmother’s gowns because they either don’t fit them or they are too outdated. We spend all of this time and energy preserving these gorgeous dresses just so they can take up space in our closets, never to be worn again.

What if there was a way to not only save space in our closets, but also make a powerful impact? Cue the lovely organization: Brides Against Breast Cancer. Founded in 1997, their mission is to provide early detection education while supporting breast cancer research efforts through their wedding dress donation program.

How to Have a Healthy Relationship with Your Possessions

Have you ever been so close to donating something, and are suddenly overwhelmed with guilt? Maybe you tell yourself, “This was a gift from so and so - I can’t get rid of it!” Or maybe it was an heirloom passed down from your grandmother? Or an item you spent a little too much money on so you feel that you have to hang on to it? If you’ve ever experienced any of this, you are not alone!

A few months back I had the honor of doing an interview with Indy Maven on this exact topic, so I thought I’d give you a glimpse into the article with some of my extended answers!

Organized | LIFE, Organized | SPACESMaria BaerJuly 16, 2021The Baer MinimalistDonation Resources, DonateComment

2019 Indianapolis Donation Guide

I continue to be introduced to incredible local organizations (and a handful of national + international organizations) that tirelessly work to put your donated items into the hands of the most deserving individuals.

My hope is that you share this guide with family and friends, post in your neighborhood Facebook group, or print it, laminate it and post inside of a cabinet door! Then, take things one step further, and think through how you might be able to tackle some of the spaces in your own home where items are gathering dust.

Ultimately, I hope this guide serves as a reminder that those items that are stacked up in our basements, garages and closets could be utilized TODAY by someone trying to make a better life for their family.

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