Thoughtful Giving

In this time of Holiday giving, most people give to charities. Food banks, homeless shelters, and those who cater to the working poor and foster children all are in desperate need of your help, not just now but year round. Before you give a donation of food, clothes or toys please consider some items we all use that these groups can desperately use. Any donation is much appreciated and I would like you to donate what you can, but I thought you might be able to use some hints.

Food

When giving food consider what you may be able to use in a meal. Cookies, cake mixes and frosting are nice, but when it is all you have in the cupboard would you prefer to give your child peanut butter or even a tuna sandwich? There are lots of low cost food that are nutritious that you will feel good about giving. Tuna, peanut butter, canned meats, vegetables, fruits, cereal, packaged dinners where everything is in the box, and a host of other items would make a much more practical donation than candy, cookies, and treats.

Toilet Paper

When people have trouble feeding their families they also have trouble buying toilet paper. Think about it. You have kids in your house and have to choose between toilet paper and milk. What a choice to have to make! Most stores sell a four pack for a dollar or under, so consider this when looking to donate.

Cleaning Products

Laundry soap, dish soap, baby wipes, and other such staples in a house are difficult to buy when you are trying to make sure the kids are eating. You buy the bread and milk, but now you do not have enough to buy soap to wash clothes or dishes. Most of these items are carried in dollar store or regular grocery stores for under a dollar. Nothing has to be fancy or spendy. It is just another thing to think of when making donations.

Clothes

Before you throw out a pair of kid’s jeans with a hole in the knee think. A quick patch will give them new life, and if you hate wearing patches donate them. There are many kids, especially teens, in foster programs, and other low-income kids who could really use them. If you do not want to patch these used pants donate them anyway. Most times these organizations will patch them and get them where they can do the most good.

Medical Equipment

Got a pair of crutches, walker, shower stool or other items you no longer need? Donate them to a senior organizations. They can find someone who does need them, and pass it on. These are not one-time use items.

Glasses & Hearing Aids

Lions Club is famous for providing glasses and hearing aids to people who would otherwise not be able to afford them. If you are getting new ones, please, consider donating your old ones. It will make a world of difference.

These are just some suggestions and things to think about. No one likes to think of people going hungry or having to struggle with choosing toilet paper or milk, but it happens. Your gift of food, clothes and other items do make an enormous difference. I hope this list helps, and you will find yourself in a position to give.