The Obsession with "New"

In my experience, when there is a drive for toys, clothes, etc. to help families, there is often a mandate that donations be new items.  I understand that it is not as sacrificial or desirable to give someone else your worn out clothing or half-broken toys.  I also understand that people are requiring this out of a good heart because they feel like since they don't give used gifts to their own families and friends, why should other families have to get used gifts?

It's just that I think the question should be, "Why shouldn't I give already-been-loved gifts to my family and friends?"  The answer in our household is, "No reason.  Do it."

For this reason, it actually becomes a very odd experience to want to give items to people in need and to be told that I have to buy new items.  Here are some thoughts that end up going through my head:

"I rarely buy anything new... period."

"We can't always all have new things.  There is so much stuff already floating around needing a good home to use it up.  By always demanding new, we are effectively taking away at least some of ability for future generations to have the resources and ability to make their own new products."

"If I am buying something new, I feel led to research my item to buy something that was made in a way that tried to avoid harming the environment and did not exploit human workers."

"New things cost a lot.  If a family needs hand towels, why can't I buy a few adorable, gently-used towels at a thrift shop for way less money?  Then I can use the rest of the money to do more to help people out."

I love that people want to meet others' real needs, and if you have ever done so then awesome!  If done out of compassion and generosity, then your good heart is admirable.  I'm just saying: Here's for creating a culture that views used goods as valuable and equally awesome instead of "cheap" and of poor taste.  After all, I'm not too good for something someone else no longer wanted/needed... Are you?