DON’T FORGET OTHER COMMON ITEMS
Homeless shelters, women’s shelters and food banks are all trying to fill similar gaps for people. While the high-demand items above are at the top of homeless shelters’ lists, it never hurts to add some of the following to your donation. They’ll be gratefully accepted and — best of all — put to use right away.
• Transit tokens: It’s not uncommon for homeless yout
h to have to choose between eating and transportation to work or school. Tokens help them get to where they need to be without compromise.
• Diapers and formula: Family shelters serve a wide range of ages, from infants through older adults. Diapers (from newborn all the way through toddler — or overnight-size) and formula help keep their smallest clientele well taken care of. WHAT TO MAYBE SKIP
While shelters appreciate all well-intended donations, some items simply can’t be used due to safety issues or lack of storage facilities. While you may not want to waste leftovers — like the party platters that went untouched at your event — most shelters can’t accept them because of health and safety regulations (besides, lifTOvers would be more than happy to take them!). It’s a similar story for furniture: While it’s helpful for people who are starting a new life away from the shelter, there often isn’t space to store it in the interim. However, the Furniture Bank is just one of the places where you can donate your gently used stuff. WEEKEND PROJECT
Want to do something meaningful right away? We’ve come up with a few ideas to get you started this coming weekend.
• Lunch duty: Go out and buy supplies a shelter will need to pack several lunches. Kids will love having a say in the selection; let them choose juice boxes, granola bars, fruit cups and other non-perishable snacks.
• Clean up: Create cleaning kits that can go with people to their new homes. Fill a bucket with the usual suspects, like toilet bowl cleaner and a brush, all-purpose cleaning spray, glass cleaner, disinfectant wipes, sponges, paper towels and rubber gloves. Call ahead to ensure your shelter has space to accommodate this donation.
• Do a fundraiser: It doesn’t have to be formal and take weeks of planning. It could be as simple as collaborating with a few people at the office to set up a bake sale, or creating candygrams with your kid’s classroom (a printed card with a lollipop or wrapped candy does the trick), with donations going to help your selected shelter.
• Double up on shopping: When you go to a store to buy something, get in the routine of picking up an item for someone in need, too. It can be something small, like a can of tuna or a package of underwear. The goal is to make a habit of helping, so your donation isn’t just a one-time thing.
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