Stamps ~ I'm retiring

[Paula Anne]

Hi everyone. Was looking for a bit of advice. In the scheme of things, I don't have much, but I do have one full large Rubbermaid bin with stamps in them. Some of them aren't even mounted. Any suggestions what I should do with them? They are at least 7-10 years old some of them. All in extremely good shape. I'm just not sure there is a call for them ebay for all the time and effort it would take to post and ship. Maybe someone can let me know if they think there is an interest.
If not, what other suggestions do you have? I have contacted 2 children's hospitals but they dont' want them. Was considering a nursing home, but my thought is they are going to be to small for them to really make use of them there.
Thanks for the input. I appreciate your help.
Paula

[cat_woman]

You could list them on here in the Buy/Sell/Trade forum. I'm sure there would be a lot of interest for some "vintage" stamps, especially if they are in good condition.

[bjeans]

Non-profit thrift store? We donate a lot to one that supports a dog/cat shelter and medical center. Everyone wins: the shop donates profits, and customers pick up wonderful items at a very low cost.

And a senior center with an active arts and crafts department accepts crafting items, including stamps, so it wouldn't hurt to call them. An LSS hosts a yearly open house which includes a toiletries/socks/etc. drive for a homeless shelter and a crafts drive for the senior center.

[arlenevita]

Click on this link:
Purging & De-Stashing??? by Craf-T-Bear at Splitcoaststampers

You could ship them to the You Matter Project, a creative program for survivors of abuse. I have sent large flat rate USPS boxes of stamps, paper, etc. to them.

[Catherine773]

This may not be a traditional route - but I donated tons of stamps and supplies to the mental health unit at a nearby hospital. They have art therapy classes available for patients. My younger sister struggles with severe depression and spent a few days there - and told me how little they had to choose from for their projects and I knew i had to share my wealth of crafting supplies for this! I think creativity can be so therapeutic and a way for people to express feelings they may not be able to say out loud. A year later she spent a few more days in the same ward, and she saw some of my supplies and used them, and it made her feel happy and less alone. I hope my donations made others just as happy too.

[tigerlily55]

Well you could try Craig's List or having a rummage sale if you want to make a little money. If not you could Freecycle and wait for a teacher or somebody like that to respond so you'd know they would be going to a good home. Good Will is another one. Good Luck!

[TexasGrammy]

Depending on your area, consider Retirement Homes or your city's Senior Center. A friend of mine teaches paper crafting to seniors, but the center itself has purchased trimmers, etc. so people can make as they wish when supplies are at hand, even without a scheduled "class". Every one is different, so you might find one eager to add to their supplies.