This is patently untrue and, if you weren’t so insignificant, you could easily be sued for slander. It’s also worth noting that Gates began his philanthropy years before Oprah did.

I think your Oprah-fandom has clouded your judgment, which is not my problem, but when you start to ignore the facts, you cross the line. A simple trip to Wikipedia would benefit you enormously.

As for donations, I keep a pretty box in the closet, and anytime I decide an article of clothing isn’t working for me anymore, I toss it in the box. Once the box is full, the contents go into a bag and out to the car to be dropped off at Goodwill during the next errands run (there is a very conveniently located Goodwill next door to our grocery store).

And, may I just say that despite the fact that it’s a little hypocritical of Oprah to be preaching “doing without”, she HAS been there, and I would bet everything I own that she recalls VIVIDLY what it feels like. She’s one of the most philanthropic people on Earth (I mean that literally, not hyperbolically), and I believe that she is absolutely sincere when she talks about giving to others and helping those less fortunate. Again, in her case, that’s EVERYONE, but you take my point.

clothing that wasn’t being worn/didn’t fit
craft supplies not being used
half finished projects no one is interested in finishing
books we don’t want to read again
decor we are tired of
things we don’t have room to store
things we have to reason to keep

… and so much more. I can’t believe how much unused stuff sits in homes across the world!

Is anyone going to donate a washing machine in good condition? An efficient electric column heater with a timer for a baby’s room? A ‘spare’ set of solar panels?

At an Australian size 10-12, (slim but not skinny) I can easily find great quality cast-off clothing in the thrift stores, while my plus-size friends find it much more difficult. Fashionistas with personal trainers don’t tend to cast of a size 20 at the end of the season.

Hate her if you will, but don’t begrudge her her “stuff.”

Frankly, there are plenty of people with more than she has who have done next to nothing for charity.

Mr. Bill Gates spent years giving NOTHING to charity. Until he got married and had kids. Then, surprisingly, he discovered charity and giving.

If you’re all so happy with what you have, what does it matter what anyone else, including Oprah, has or doesn’t have, gives away or doesn’t? Hmmmmm

Methinks too much protesting.

We’re humans and with rare exception, we have “stuff.” It’s neither good nor bad, but what you “attach” to it.

And a note on freecycling: It really only works if you have good people participating.

Here in NYC, we have had some great and some horrific experiences with freecycling. (Some people, for example, expected us to come and deliver what we were giving away, even small items! You’ve got people using freecycling now who do not understand the spirit of it at all. And in fact, what is now happening is that many people are taking the stuff for free to then sell it on craigslist or ebay. Sorry, I want someone to have it for personal use. Not to help them build a business. In that case, I’ll sell it myself! It’s been very discouraging.)

Here’s something no one’s mentioned yet, books. I love books but no longer see a reason to own them. Libraries are free, you can reread them as many times as you want, and the books take up almost no space in your house. I’ve also discovered I can live without my toaster.

In the end it was two carloads, and there may be one more. It was a great joy to unload so many things that are “too good to throw away” (I just don’t have the time or inclination to deal with selling stuff by-the-piece.)

Unfortunately the apartment doesn’t look any better, because most of this stuff was in closets – but it’s a great first step!

I lived with cable television for my first 24 years on this Earth, and a couple months ago I dropped it and – looking back – am absolutely amazed at how brainwashed I was.