It seems like the hobby of collecting may have become an activity of days gone by. It used to be that you couldn’t go into someone’s Clinton County residence and not find Art, Cookie Jars or a Winnie the Pooh collection.
Clinton County baby-boomers took seriously collecting things. The trend today is to be a minimalist.
So when you’re ready to downsize or sadly when a collector family member passes what do you do with their Salt and Pepper Shakers, Vinyl Records or Pooh items?
You could try to sell the Pooh Collectibles online. Some of the issues you might face when selling online include: setting up a payment account, thinking up inviting listing descriptions, figuring out postage, packaging materials and weighing each item, answering question messages from potential buyers, dealing with returns on damaged items, etc.
Also, figuring out pricing can be challenging. Mother may have paid $70 for an item but the online going rate is only $2.79. You need to ask yourself the question “is my time worth just a few dollars”? Online selling can take plenty of time.
You can give it to a place like a Clinton County Salvation Army. They will take it. However, some people struggle with the thought of their Great Aunt’s much-loved items being separated and sold for .99 cents. The plush could become a dog toy.
You could donate any plush to a Clinton County children’s place. However, many places only want items that are new, in the original boxes and are 5 years old or newer. Plus, your Mom really took care of the plush and displayed them. Some people have a hard time with a plush collectible becoming a plush child toy.
Over the years I have been approached by family members and asked if they can donate and if I will accept Pooh Items.
My answer is absolutely! I am always honored and humbled to – in my words – “to take care of their collection”.
If I am talking to the Clinton County collector and owner I let them know which numbers their items will be in the Guinness World Record Largest Pooh Collection. Their collection becomes part of history vs. being sold for a buck at a rummage sale. I let them know I will showcase their donated items along with mine. I consider their collectibles as THEIR collection in my database.
When someone donates Pooh Bear Items I think it makes people feel better which I am happy for. Letting go of “things” can be hard for a collector and owners and even sometimes for family members. As much as we don’t want to be labeled as “materialistic” – things we buy and collect can have sentimental attachments and it’s those feelings that we are attached to probably more than the items. People remember where they were when they received an item, who they were with or even where in their life cycle they were. They don’t want those memories to vanish with the collectibles. You can put a price tag on a stuffed animal or jacket but you can’t put a value on happiness.
By donating Winnie the Pooh Collectibles to the Guinness World Record Pooh Collection the collection stays entact and the memories are still there too. In fact, if the relative wants, they can even visit their collection when traveling from Clinton County to WI.
If you have a collection of Pooh Bear items to donate, feel free to contact me and we can coordinate adding your Mother’s Winnie the Pooh Collection to history and the Pooh Museum.
Deb Hoffmann - 414-708-0633
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