Shopping Lists for Donors

Special thanks to Mama Jude for her help in compiling these guidelines and lists.

Guidelines

All food items must be non-perishable. In addition, keep in mind the current weather conditions (e.g., in the winter, bottles of water often freeze overnight, pushing their caps off; empty water bottles are a better choice)

Avoid providing items that require additional ingredients to use, such as mixes and sauces, unless you can also provide all the ingredients. In that case, putting everything together in one bag is very helpful.

Foods should be in their original, unopened packaging. Providing homemade goods, while thoughtful, should be avoided.

Hygiene items should be in their original packaging, or come individually wrapped (e.g., tampons and pads that have their own wrapper as well as being in a box).

Many of our residents without homes are not able to carry many possessions. It’s a good idea to keep to smaller, lighter items, such as single portion foods and travel size amenities.

Many are also without the ability to warm or cook foods, so we’ve limited our food list to items that do not require warming or cooking, or that we’ve been told still taste good without warming.

If you can find pop-top cans or twist-open bottles, these work better, as some people do not have bottle and can openers.

Because of winter, we currently have a higher need for non-food items than at other times of the year.

Lists

And consider the needs of the mind and soul:

Journals with pens

Art supplies

Books

Crossword and Word Search Puzzles

Playing cards and other games