To ask someone questions to see if they're really in need

[MadJeffBarn]

So I'm giving away my dining table because I'm getting a new one. As it's Christmas I've decided to give it to a family in need, as per description. But already I'm getting loads of people asking for it, no kids on their profile(yes I know not everyone puts their kids online) but I really want it to go to a family.
I realise now (after shifting through 20+ inboxs) that Facebook probably isn't the best place to give away. I can't get it to a charity shop as I don't have a car, any ideas? Or should I supply a questionnaire for each applicant 😂 (I'm joking of course, I wouldn't do that)

Some furniture charity shops will do collection either for free, or, more likely for a very small fee (I think they charged us a few pounds when we donated a few large bits of furniture pre moving)

I didn't even think of that!

Or, contact local women's refuge. Same set up, will often collect for a small fee.

Why do you care where it goes?

Or sell it and donate the money to charity

Why not call the Salvation Army or your local Homeless charity and ask them to uplift?

Solves both your problems.

The Salvation Army came to collect two large pieces of furniture from us recently. It was very efficient and we know that someone who needs them will get use out of them.

Ring your local Sure Start, ask if they know any families who could use it.

You could find a suitable reuse charity via this site? www.frn.org.uk/

If it's that good a table, sell it and give the money to a charity.

Why do you care where it goes?

Probably because so many people give a good sob story, then promptly sell the item on eBay.

I've got a big, very much never used, dining table and chairs to give away too. I've called my local hospice who have a charity shop and they're organising a volunteer 'man with a van' to come and get it. Job done all round.

I have had loads With sob stories who promptly sell the items

I couldn't be bothered playing God over an unwanted dining table to be honest.

No-one really needs one.

It's not like a cooker or a washing machine.

British heart foundation will probably collect it

Probably because so many people give a good sob story, then promptly sell the item on eBay.

Maybe they need food more than a table to put it on?

I care where it goes because like worra says, no one really needs one, they're expensive to buy new and if anyone is like me, I really enjoy sitting round a table with family eating dinner. And as it's christmas round the corner we'll be sat round eating our Christmas dinner and I just wanted to help another family. I'm not playing God at all, just trying to do a nice thing.

We have a local charity that sells second hand furniture and white goods etc very cheaply to those on low incomes or benefits. genesistrust.org.uk/how-we-help/furniture/ Maybe you have something similar?

If by chance you are in North London - check out Doorstop.

Doorstep I meant.

A few years back We had a dining table in goodish condition that we tried to give away. Nobody- absolutely nobody- charities, local organisations would take it. Every one of them said it was a health and safety issue. It ended up on the bonfire.

More recently we moved house and had some bits of furniture that again we wanted to give away. St Vincent de Paul sent two chaps in a van and took the lot. They were kitting out homes for newly arrived asylum seekers and refugees.

Yes but asking questions to see if they're 'really in need' and checking their profiles for children, is a bit like playing God over a bit of unwanted furniture imo.

Just a bit OTT.

It's very OTT. You want to make sure that someone is in real need or suffering so you can award them your old dining table. Good grief!

I haven't asked anyone questions. Hence this post of whether I should... and the resounding reply is no, give to charity.

Just give it to whoever they might use it over christmas or put it on a selling page but to go round folks profiles looking for need sounds exhausting or see if local salvation army has a furntiure store ours does.