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Stuff The Sienna – Giving Back to Lift Others #SiennaDiaries

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Giving should be a life-long endeavor for all mankind.   At any time in life we may be the giver or the receiver. Even as a receiver, there is always a way one can give, and in that way we begin to elevate ourselves.  I believe giving back is the first step toward making ourselves whole. A well known quote from President Harold B. Lee of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1973 states: “You cannot lift another soul until you are standing on higher ground than he is. You must be sure, if you would rescue the man, that you yourself are setting the example of what you would have him be. You cannot light a fire in another soul unless it is burning in your own soul.”

Loading up the car with donations

As we came to the close of the 2013 Holiday Season, I reflected on the bounty I’ve been blessed with, as I’m sure most of you have contemplated, as well. January seems to be the time of year to clean-out the old, and organize the new.

Donation items

I knew “Shelby,” my awesome 2014 Toyota Sienna, was a giving girl and had the capacity to haul a ton of stuff. I have a favorite place where I like to donate my gently used and unwanted new items – Deseret Industries. I sent out a call to my friends and neighbors that “Shelby” and I would be by to pick-up their good condition, unwanted items. My friends did not disappoint – which confirms my notion that most people feel good about giving.

Using the 2014 Toyota Sienna to collect Donation Items

Because of the Toyota Sienna’s awesome cargo capacity, I was able to “stuff” her with some huge items, along with several large tubs and plastic bags. I even fit in an unwanted artificial Christmas tree that was packed in a trampoline box – BIG! The great part about the Toyota Sienna is how the rear seats fold down flat into the floor creating a huge cargo compartment. I pushed the middle seats all the way forward, creating even more space. Then I took my haul to the Deseret Industries container located in my Church parking lot. So if you are looking for a new minivan, go for the Toyota Sienna.

Deseret Industries Collection Trailer

At Deseret Industries donations are accepted year-round Monday through Saturday. Donations are not accepted on Sunday. You can drop off donations at your local Deseret Industries store or take your donations to one of Their convenient container locations (call the store nearest you for locations).

Donations to Deseret Industries help in multiple ways. Thanks to all those who donate, they  are able to:

  • Sell items at low prices to the community.
  • Provide items to community partners and other charities.
  • Use sales revenue to pay for training of thousands of individuals.
  • Provide humanitarian assistance worldwide.
  • Provide volunteer opportunities for others.

Not only does Deseret Industries provide much needed low cost items to the public, or to Humanitarian Aid, but they also provide jobs to many who may not otherwise find employment. Associates gain valuable work experience by working in Deseret Industries  facilities and through a variety of training opportunities with local business partners. Individuals can gain retail experience in their stores, trade skills at D.I. Manufacturing, and other work skills while assisting people worldwide at the Latter-day Saint Humanitarian Center. Individuals at DI (Deseret Industries) learn successful work skills that will help them be successful in today’s competitive job market.

Collecting Donation Items

I’m so very glad I had my awesome Toyota Sienna to help me complete this much needed project of gathering gently used or unwanted new items from my generous friends and neighbors. You may want to consider how you can “give back” this year and in so doing elevate yourself in order to lift another.

About the author

Emily Buys

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