Yes, last year seem to fly by. Like me, I'm sure so many people helped by donating to either thrift stores, churches or charities. For some reason, this goes along with "spring cleaning" or after summer break. I have found out it's now early January through March when donations are so much needed. Holidays are very hard in my favorite charity, battered women shelters. There are many specultions why that may be: drinking, bills, etc. It's a bad time for depression. None of this matters to me. What matters is they need help.
Smaller shelters are struggling for things like soap, shampoo, lotion, diapers; all of the things we have in our bathrooms, pantries or stored away. I will always remember myself leaving with nothing other than my child and the clothes on our backs. This is true for so many this time of the year. It's not only battered women. If your area has a winter program to help the homeless, they are in need of same items; including blankets, pillows, socks, towels and all of the personal care things I mentioned before.
What I'm doing is simple. All of those bottles I have turned upside down in my bathroom and kitchen. I'm always trying to be thrifty, using the last drop of shampoo or lotion. We all have found out once you turn that container upside down, there is so much more in it then it appeared.
At the 99 cent store, you can get little empty travel kits that have four clear bottles in it. Mine even came with labels already printed. Shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion. Many labels describing personal care items. These were the ones I chose when visiting a friend. It gave me the greatest idea. I will buy several of these travel size kits all containing four clear bottles and fill them with lotion, shampoo, etc. All of those bottles turned upside down can fill more empties then you think.
Purchasing several travel kits and some other products while there can really help out those in need. Think about what everyone needs. Baby wipes, soap; this list could go on and on. Pick out a few things and add it to your purchase. When you get home, fill up some of these bottles and donate them.When you are at the mercy of living outside your home, these things are not taken for granted. I remember wanting a razor so bad.
I promise giving to others at this time of year when so many are in need is so rewarding. Giving is much better than receiving, you'll feel wonderful knowing you did something so small that meant so much. A small bottle of shampoo will delight many who have none. You can use what ever containers you may already have. I just found it perfect to be able to fill many at such a small cost.
Please check out your area and drop off a little something. I pray all of those in need can have a bright, new beginning. Being a little comfortable in whatever setting they may be will make it that much easier.
By Luana M. from San Diego, CA
Add your voice! Click below to comment. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
Great ideas. So many people just throw the bottles out when they cannot get any product out easily. Keep them coming. You're a winner.
What do you do when you "donate exactly what an organization requests" and the next day you see those same items in their re-sale store. That is enough to turn anyone off believing in these places. Should they be reported?
Case in point: Needed School Supplies, bought about $5o worth and took them into headquarters? The next day went back to take more and to check out their resale shop for anything I might purchase.
Imagine my surprise when the things I took in the day before were on the shelf, all side by side. I checked my receipt right there and everything on my receipt was sitting there. When questioned, their response, "we got so much stuff we had to do that". Yeah and cats fly!
Oh my goodness,I can't believe that happened to you!!I just heard that a web site for each individual school would be posted.That way in a school case, you know exactly which class room it goes to. The teacher(who takes it out of her pocket) can say"we need 10 pencils". I'll find out what that site is and post it for everyone.
I only donate to battered wemans shelters,t his time of year the homeless here are in a tent city.
I would be really angry if that happened to me, also.I can assuredly tell you with so many people not having enough food to eat, there are places that will not take advantage. Don't let one dishonest place change your good heart. Once again God bless you for caring!
I think this is a great suggestion for helping those in need in women's shelters. I know of men who have had to use services of shelters who have been batttered by family members, also. One year I gave toys to a woman's shelter at Christmas and it was much appreciated. The shelters often have "wish lists," and animal shelters often will have them, also.
It's a wonderful idea as long as you are donating to an organization that appreciates it. Years ago I donated over $200 worth of soap, toothpaste, tooth and hair brushes, tampons, pads, shampoo for children and adults, body washes, bubble baths, deodorants, shaving cream, razors, lunch pails for children, thermoses ... you get the idea. I thought I was doing good but the following week in the local newspaper there was an article from the food bank organizers stating that they were appalled by someone who ignored the need for food and gave non-essentials.
Nowadays, I'm struggling but I do manage to donate food, pots and pans, blankets and towels to the local animal shelter. Additionally, I save about $50 of my loonies and twoonies ($1 and $2 Cdn coins) throughout the year for the Christmas Salvation Army globes.
Add your voice! Click below to comment. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
