The holidays are all about giving. When most of us think of giving, we think of presents for our family members and close friends. Heck, sometimes we even buy gifts for people we know but don’t even like.
It’s also the time, though, that we should think about those that are less fortunate. Every country has citizens who go without basic necessities every day. I’m sure it has crossed many minds to donate or do something good for someone else. If you’re anything like me, you don’t feel comfortable giving money. Too many people steal these days, and there’s a lot of false charities so handing out cash isn’t necessarily the best option.
So here are 5 donation suggestions for those who may struggle with how to give back in a form other than monetarily.
1. Socks
2. Tampons/Pads
Of course, this one is mostly needed by women, but it’s often gone overlooked. Why? Well, besides only being needed by one gender, the opposite gender doesn’t think to even donate those. It’s not really a male’s fault for overlooking this. A lot of things we don’t need aren’t things we would think to donate. But a woman’s period typically starts every 28 days and can last up to 7 days. Trust me, I know, as my own cycle is 6-7 days because that’s just how my life works, unfortunately.
This item is really important, especially for young girls. It’s bad enough being homeless or having significantly less than others, but it’s even more humiliating when you’re 12, your cycle just started, and your parents have no way to protect your only pair of pants. As a teacher, I’ve seen the humiliation a girl has gone through when her period starts in the middle of class and can be seen through their pants. It’s not fun. Please donate this item. And if you’re going to get tampons, get the tampons with plastic applicators as those are much more comfortable and easier to use than a cardboard applicator.
My personal favorite brands are Tampax Pearl for tampons and Always for pads. If possible, get the kind that aren't scented as some women may have allergies!
3. Laundry Detergent
Granted, this item is more for the shelter than the actual homeless considering they probably don’t have a washer and dryer, but families who live in poverty rely on this stuff more than you would think. When you can only afford hand me down clothes from a thrift store or from charities, you need to make sure those items are clean. Often times, families who live in poverty use the same set of clothes over and over again for years unless they out grow what they’re wearing. That’s because they can’t afford to spend a ton of money on brand new clothes. And with bed bugs on the rise, it is a must that their items stay clean, especially their linen. When you run a shelter, you have to wash the sheets or you could get bugs. Plus it helps keep the place smelling just a little bit nicer.
4. Underwear/Bras
By underwear, I don’t mean a thong, either. While wearing ‘thongs’ may make women feel sexy, they don’t do anything else. Besides, trying to wear a pad with a thong is like…hell. Donate underwear that is comfortable and won’t rip easily! Hanes is probably the best thing to get, but any brand really works. Boy shorts and briefs are the most comfortable for women, though not necessarily the most eye appealing. I’m not really sure what’s more comfortable for a guy, though, so if any males read this, leave a comment on the most comfortable underwear for you.
Also, bras are very much needed. For all you men out there, bras are really expensive. I myself wear a 36DD and one decent bra is like $25 and that’s if I get it from Target. Forget Victoria’s Secret. And most bras that are larger than a DD have to be ordered online and are more expensive. There are several types of bras, but if you could donate this, please do. Solid black would probably be best since they show the least wear and tear. A white bra can quickly go brown within a couple months when you don’t have too many and have to wear the same 2 or 3 all the time.
Please get underwear in a variety of sizes, too. Not every girl is a size 2 and not every guy is an underwear model. Yes, some homeless people are overweight and others are children. Please consider them, too.
5. School Supplies
I know, school supplies is technically more than 'an item', but this particular idea is coming from me as a teacher. I have kids that time after time show up to my room with quite literally NOTHING. Of course, every kid forgets a pencil every now and again, but if it’s not the book I gave them for class, they have nothing. Not a notebook, not a pencil, not a backpack, not even a glue stick. Usually, these are the kids that are listed as Economically Disadvantaged or, in other words, poor.
I think sometimes we forget that the homeless or families that live in poverty aren’t just adults. They’re children that go to school every day and have less than their friends. It’s hard being a kid showing up with nothing when your friend has a huge brand new binder with multiple designer folders and mechanical pencils. All kids will be on winter break on Christmas, but they will be returning to school soon after, and they need to be prepared! Here’s a list of school supplies that you can donate if you don’t have kids or can’t think of anything:
A. Colored pencils
B. Crayons
C. Backpack
D. Glue (Glue sticks are easier, but gel or liquid glue works, too)
E. Pencils (Kids love the mechanical ones! And they cost just much as a No. 2 wooden pencil!)
F. 3 Ringed Binders (Zipper ones are better because it prevents their stuff from falling out)
G. Folders
H. College Ruled Notebooks
I. Journals/Composition Notebook
J. Agendas/Planners (Some schools give these out to kids, but others don’t. I taught at a school my first three years that did not give children planners so don’t assume they automatically get these!)
K. Erasers
L. Markers
M. Pens (Blue, Black ink preferred since teachers grade in all the other colors)
N. Scissors (These aren't necessarily an emergency as some teachers just let the students use the pair they have. Teachers in the elementary buildings typically have their own set for their class, anyway.)
O. Calculators (Any calculator will work, but remember high school students need the larger, expensive ones like a TI-84. If you can afford it, donate it! Calculators can really help kids on their ACT and SAT but are not supplied for these tests!)
P. Water bottles (Helps kids bring water in the room since most teachers don’t allow any other food or drink. This is also useful students who are athletes, and it helps the environment by eliminating plastic bottles.)
Q. Lunchbox/Brown Paper Bags
R. Sandwich bags
S. Loose Leaf Paper
T. Rulers
I hope this list helps those who were thinking of donating items and encourages others to donate, too. Remember, the holidays, no matter which one you celebrate, aren’t about you. They’re about giving. Even if you don’t celebrate or acknowledge any holiday, know that there never is a day where it is wrong to be selfless.
Stay tuned for a part 2!
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