Donate Household Items to Aid in Gulf Oil Spill

Can't donate money to help with Gulf of Mexico disaster? One organization is accepting donations of fleece, feathers, fur, nylon, wool -- even human hair -- to help soak up the oil.

The Gulf oil spill has been an unprecedented environmental disaster that will bring both short and long-term ramifications. Whenever a natural disaster strikes, one question resounds amongst the masses: How can we help? Donating money is always wonderful (and encouraged), but you can also help out by donating some items you probably already have around the house -- and on your head!

Matter of Trust is a non-profit organization that's collecting nylons, fur, fleece, feathers and, hair (human only) to provide relief in the Gulf. These renewable materials can be stuffed into nylons to create booms which are tied together to surround and contain a spill, or made into highly absorbent hair mats. According to their website, "Hair is very efficient at collecting oil out of the air, off surfaces like your skin and out of the water, even petroleum oil."

So if you've got some unwanted fleece blankets, damaged nylon stockings, old down pillows -- or you're in need of a haircut --here's your opportunity to contribute to the effort.

For more information on what you can donate and how to label and package donations, visit matteroftrust.org.