Do Mormons do less charitable giving due to the commitment of paying tithing? Three months of the year, you can rest assured there will be garage sales popping up like mushrooms all over Utah. Why do Mormons enjoy selling their own castoffs and searching for “bargains” among other castoffs rather than donating these items to charity?

Anecdotally, this question came up in a work setting a few years ago. Our Salt Lake City location had a much smaller percentage of charitable contributions than our other locations. At the time, many employees stated that this was because they already donated so much time and money at church. Yet, despite our tithing and time commitments, we have been admonished repeatedly in General Conference to do more charitable work. Do members of the church feel they are off the hook? Is this part of the motivation LDS have in conducting garage sales?

So, what is the allure of selling one’s trash on the curb? Why do Mormons enjoy this past time? Here are some theories:

  • One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Joseph Smith was often accused of being a treasure hunter. Perhaps bargain-hunting is a modern-day equivalent. At some garage sales, it might take a seer stone to find anything of value.
  • Economic motivation. Are Mormons poor (due to having lots of kids, more single income households, and paying 10% tithing)?
  • Commitment to recycling. Mormons have been taught to “make do or do without” and to be industrious and to take care of their things.
  • Charity might not take some of these things. Seriously. That wreath you made at Homemaking? The book with the food stain on the cover? Your toddler’s used underwear?
  • Meet your neighbors. Garage sales can instill a sense of community as people sift through your occasionally too personal and sometimes disgusting cast-off possessions.
  • Kids can learn entrepeneurship. And it keeps them out of your hair for the day if they run the whole thing.

Still, every time I see a yard or garage sale, I always think that it would be better to donate those goods to charity rather than trying to make a buck by “casting your pearls before swine” (loose interpretation there). It also seems a little unsavory to me to show the world your discarded objects.

Along the lines of “good, better, best” where do garage sales fall?

  • Good – not having a surplus of goods. Teaching our kids the value of living frugally.
  • Better – “recycling” surplus goods through garage sales. Teaching our kids the value of money through a hands-on capitalist experience.
  • Best – charitable donations of surplus goods, time, and money. Teaching our kids the value of service and love.

So, what do you think? Why are garage sales so popular among Mormons? And is it better to donate to charity than to hold a garage sale? Do Mormons donate less to charity than non-Mormons? If so, why? And just for kicks, what’s the most repellent, kitschy or perplexing thing you’ve ever seen offered at a garage sale?