The wonderful news is that kids who may not get to play their favorite sport due to monetary reasons, can now have a chance with the help of recycled sporting goods.  Donate your kids outgrown cleats, shin guards, baseball mitt, bat, skis, shoulder pads, hockey gear, skates, etc.

We found just the place close to home, Cleat Repeat a non-profit organization that supports the ability for kids to play sports by providing new and gently used sports equipment.  Check out what they’re all about the video below.

Don’t have an organization in your area?  Consider organizing a local swap for other parents to give new life to their gently used sporting goods and maybe even make another child’s day.

Would you like to see LoobaLee.com add categories sportswear and equipment on our site for mom to mom selling?   Leave us a comment below to share.

Astonishing!!  Since Moms make up a large percent of the population, apparently a lot of us are contributing to the problem.

I literally do not throw away clothing (at least not intentionally).   And, maybe you don’t intentionally either.  But, its inevitable that even in our best efforts to donate and recycle, receiving organizations will dispose of things that can’t be used.

The best way to avoid this downstream affect is up front by buying, wearing and caring consciously.   The clothing that most quickly ends up in our landfills is that which was cheaply made in the first place, and doesn’t hold up to a lot of wash and wear.

Then, don’t be part of the statistic. Be part of the solution. Trade, donate, resell, upcycle, and/or recycle your kids old clothing. Help prevent unnecessary waste and teach your kids the value of buying second hand and the ingenuity of resale.

LoobaLee is proud to be a resource to help you reap the rewards of buying and selling online and get the most out of your children’s apparel.

February 14th is not one of the biggest of celebrations but it can be rather fun for kids and an occasion for parents to make their children feel special with just a little effort.  Of course it’s easy to find red clothing, hairbows and Valentine socks to suprise the kids with Valentine’s morning.  LoobaLee is the place to shop for eco-friendly children’s Valentine apparel.  The bonus of heart themed clothing is that it never goes out of style.

When it comes to the process of gathering up Valentine’s to send to school with the kids, think outside the box (or typical candy card).  Be creative.  If you google homemade Valentine’s cards and you’ll come up with endless ideas to work on with the kids like the Smartie airplane pictured left (from Family Fun).  This is a fun, easy, inexpesive and a clever way to put a spin on the typical heart shaped card and the whole family can get in on the action as well.

While we don’t need a special day to show our family how much we love them, it’s always nice to have a day dedicatied to just that to remind us of what is important.  Start thinking pink and red because February will be here in a heart beat! 

Usually we’re talking about littler kids clothing on LoobaLee, but what could demonstrate the conscious kids’ closet more, than an actual kid doing something to help.  I know my girls will be 16 before I know it, and to have role models like these to look up to is inspiring.

Threads For Teens’ goal is to brighten the lives of young, under-privileged girls with clothes. As the story goes, Allyson was inspired reading the book “Generation Change” by Zach Hunter.   Within hours of finishing the book, she decided she wanted to do something to help underprivileged peers she shared the classroom with daily.  What’s unique about Allyson is instead of just thinking about and dreaming about it, she took immediate action by writing letters for donations to hundreds of retailers and teen clothing brands.

Much to her surprise, donations started rolling in.  So much so, that she has now opened a storefront location where she can give girls the ultimate VIP shopping experience offering qualified girls free shopping sprees.

The girls are able to choose two head-to-toe outfits, along with extra goodies and accessories — all for free, all new, and all donated.

Threads for Teens has already served 60 girls, and Allyson plans to serve one hundred girls by the end of the year.

Right now Threads For Teens is accepting applications for under-privileged girls to be a part of this incredible experience. Please click HERE to view the application.

And, if you live in the local area, you can donate NWT teen clothing to the project.  Learn how on the website.  Even if you don’t live in the local area, you can also follow instructions on the website for shipping items you wish to donate to the project.

NOTE: There are similar projects around the country for babies, children, and teens, such as New Clothes For Kids in Kinsport, TN.   Look for one in your area…. or, take Allyson’s cue and start one of your own!

Do you know of similar projects?  Please post and share below, thanks!

Click image to see if this dress is still available on LoobaLee. Its a size 6.

Little girls dresses as well as boys dress pants and button downs are always sure sellers this time of year.  If you are able to list these items as complete outfits and you will have better selling success.

Throw in a tie to complete a sharp holiday look for boys or include accessories, like the dress and hat set pictured right (available at LoobaLee.com).  Parents love the one stop shopping and you’ll love the extra cash to put towards your own holiday needs.  Don’t forget to list dress shoes for both boys and girls too.  These item will start increasing in demand as families start thinking about scheduling family photos for their annual holiday cards.

For those items that aren’t quite up to reselling condition but still in good shape, consider donating to the many wonderful clothing drives that are underway.  Needs spike during the holiday season and you could certainly be doing a great service by donating a warm coat, clean clothing or new shoes to a child in need.  This is a wonderful way to give without exchanging cash.  The kids can even get in on the action by helping sort out those items they would like to give.  It’s a great lesson for kids to learn hands on what the holiday season is all about.

What’s your favorite charitable service or organization for donating baby & children’s clothing, gear, toys, and other goods over the holidays?  Share below!  Thanks!

These are pretty amazing statistics to think you can help save our planet from unnecessary waste simply by swapping your kids Halloween costumes with other kids.

Join our friends at Green Halloween for National Costume Swap Day this Saturday, October 8th.

Not sure where to start?  Find a swap near you.  If there is no organized swap close by, don’t worry.  You can create one of your own.  It doesn’t have to be on a large scale.  Get some of your friends together, organize a virtual swap on Facebook or ask a few mom’s from school to get together and trade costumes.  You’ll find more great ideas on how to make a swap happen at Green Halloween.

Want more information? Visit Green Halloween or Swap.com for all the details on how you can do your part to make this Halloween more eco-friendly.

Whether you are swapping to save your family money, to help reduce waste or to teach your kids the value of recycling, National Costume Swap Day a fab-boo-lous idea!

For every kids’ coat or jacket purchase now through October 2, Garnet Hill will donate $20 to Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) - up to $50,000.00.  The washable faux shearling coat pictured above is on sale for $69 (that’s $20 off) and available in sizes 2-14.  Buy and Garnet Hill will give $20 to K.I.D.S.  It’s fashion with a purpose!

Kids in Distressed Situations or K.I.D.S. has helped more to 67 million children in communities prone to chronic poverty and suffering from the fallout of natural disasters as well as helped families experiencing life-altering and debilitating circumstances throughout the United States and overseas over the past 26 years.  The services they provide have resulted in over $1 billion worth of brand new clothing, shoes, toys, books and baby products through generous donations from over 1,000 manufacturers including Gymboree, Stride Rite, Carter’s, Zutano, American Girl and Garnet Hill – to name just a few.

KLast year alone, they were able to donate $102.5 million worth of brand new items to 4.7 children and families challenged by poverty, homelessness, domestic abuse, low literacy, military family service, major illness, incarcerated family members and disaster survival.  Click here to learn more about K.I.D.S.

It’s your turn…  What are your favorite ways to be charitable for kids?

If you live in Washington, bring your book donation to the newest Hanna store located in Bellevue, Washington.  The Grand Opening celebration is in full swing through September 11.  Enjoy 20% off your in store purchase, receive a “Growing up Global” book with a $75 purchase (while supplies last) and enter for a chance to win a $250 gift card.  All gently used books collected during the celebration will be donated to East Side Baby Corner to help support children and families in the Bellevue community.

This is a wonderful way to recycle books and stock up on new quality Hanna’s.

LoobaLee.com - Where Style-Savvy Moms Buy and Sell Quality Kids’ Clothes – Fee Free!