During uncertain economic times such as these, charities and other non-profits are struggling to help entire communities in need. With few resources and a fraction of the funding they require, expenses like rent, cleaning supplies, office supplies, outreach and transportation needs are hard to meet. Cash donations are most commonly sought, and while cash is always welcome, it is certainly not the only way to give!
Giving Goods: In-kind Donations Are Every Bit as Valuable as Cash!
When was the last time you cleaned out your closets? Or decluttered the basement? You probably have valuable donations hidden in your closets, attics or cellars. Many of the things we throw away, in fact, could be put to good use elsewhere! Check your favorite non-profit’s website or Social Media page for a “Wish List” of items they need.
The single, most valuable thing you can donate to any agency is your time! Walk a dog or play with a cat, Spend time with an elderly person, or help serve lunch at a soup kitchen. Human interaction is the sweetest way to show abandoned pets that you care!
For more information on donating and to find a charity near you, visit CharityNavigator.org or CharityWatchdog.org
1) Homeless shelters and halfway houses
There are many reasons why someone may become homeless-illness, addiction, loss of family, or poverty (with or without employment) to name a few. Shelters can be for individuals, women with children, or domestic violence victims. Some allow overnight stays only, while others offer longer-term help to help people find housing, so home goods, dinnerware, small appliances and even small furniture may be needed.
Other Items Include: In-season clothing ● Socks, underwear, gloves, hats ● Disinfectant Wipes ● Hand Sanitizer ● Full and travel-size toiletries ● Men's and Women's Shampoo ● Bar Soap or Liquid Hand Soap ● Dish Soap and Laundry Soap ● Liquid disinfectant Cleaner ● Large Rubber Glove ● Sponge/ Scrubber ● Books and magazines ● Games
Bed linens are usually required to be new in the package, as are underwear.
2) Churches and Schools
Many churches provide after-school programs and other forms of child care, and clothing or food donations to its parishioners.
Some much-needed items for them are: Clothing ● Canned or shelf-stable food items ● Paper plates and cups, disposable utensils... ● Backpacks and bookbags ● Books ● Notebooks ● Pencils ● Crayons ● Construction paper ● Art & craft supplies ● Kids games ● Toys
3) Animal shelters
Nothing tugs at our heartstrings more than seeing a beloved pet end up in a shelter, but through our donations, we can make their stay more comfortable. Best of all, they’re not too choosy, so you can put those ripped towels and stained curtains to good use!
Other necessities include: Old towels, linens, and curtains● Pet beds ● Baby shampoo or pet shampoo ● Dog and cat food and treats ● Pet dishes and bowls ● Collars and leashes ● Pet toys ● Bleach or disinfectant ● Rubber gloves ● Paper towels, cleaning wipes
4) Food pantries
A large number of community members rely on food pantries not just for food, but for essential toiletries as well.
Shelf-stable, non-perishable food items that are always in demand: Cooking oil & Vinegar ● Canned vegetables, tuna and meat ● Flour● Sugar ● Pasta ● Pasta Sauce ● Cereal ● Baby food ● Oatmeal ● Bread ● Beans ● Rice ● Jello ● Cake mixes As well as ● Baby wipes ● Soap ● Dish detergent ● Reusable shopping bags
One last thought:
Be respectful of who you’re helping. Donating is not an invitation to dump your trash on someone else. Dirty, broken or otherwise unusable items are not needed or wanted. Likewise, better pass on that prom dress from 1980, those strappy 4-inch heels, and the orange MuMu your grandmother wore 30 years ago. Remember, if you wouldn’t be caught dead wearing it, nobody else would want to wear it, either!
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