I need help from you all (making bags for homeless)

[nathaliabrown]

Well as you all have seen my post I have a good stock pile for hygiene items. So Dh and I have been talking over the last week and we are getting SD11 and her BFF involved and we are going to make bags up for the homeless shelter. I can get get some really good deals at Walgreens and I want to get some stuff together. I already have a pile going but I do need more. These are the coupons I am in need of:

-shampoo /conditioner

-bar soap

-body wash

-toothpaste

-toothbrush

-mouth wash



Basically stuff to help them stay clean. My husband was talking with one of the shelters and they provide a roof, bed, and food but do not have enough money for all these things as well. I do know times are tough and everyone is using coupons so I am not asking you to sacrifice these. If you have some that you will not use I would greatly appreciate them as will the people who receive them. If you can PM me and I will give you my address. If you have any other ideas that I can do to add to these bags please let me know!

 

[DisneyCher]

If you have any feminine hygiene products, I have heard that shelters always appreciate those.

 

[nathaliabrown]

If you have any feminine hygiene products, I have heard that shelters always appreciate those.

I actually got a bunch(12 bags of stayfree...) with walgreens deals 2 weeks ago!!! So those are already in the pile. Tobad SD11 started her period 2 days ago for the first time...but I dont think she likes those anyways because I think I got the long (overnight) ones by accident..

 

[ilovemk76]

wash clothes
towels
dental floss
underwear
socks
African American hair products
combs
brushes

 

[bettymae1121]

I'm wondering if baby wipes would be a good idea? So people can clean up a bit even if they don't have access to a shower.

I've also heard that underware and socks are often in need at shelters, as people don't think do donate those things.

My DH may have a line on a good source of coupons. I've been poking him lately to get some for my own use, but I'll poke him again and see if I can get a bunch for your project. If I can, I'll PM you.

 

[nathaliabrown]

I'm wondering if baby wipes would be a good idea? So people can clean up a bit even if they don't have access to a shower.

I've also heard that underware and socks are often in need at shelters, as people don't think do donate those things.

My DH may have a line on a good source of coupons. I've been poking him lately to get some for my own use, but I'll poke him again and see if I can get a bunch for your project. If I can, I'll PM you.

Thanks so much! Do they ever have great deals on baby wipes? I find great ones on everything else...lol. If he could do that it would be great! I dont alway check my messages here so here is my email "nathaliabrown628@yahoo.com".

Thanks again!

 

[crispychicky]

This is an awesome idea! How very generous of you and your whole family.

What about disposable razors? I wouldn't imagine the homeless get too many opportunities to shave....including the women.

Maybe it's the cynic in me, but I'm not sure I would include mouthwash. Doesn't most mouthwash contain a decent amount of alcohol?

 

[nathaliabrown]

This is an awesome idea! How very generous of you and your whole family.

What about disposable razors? I wouldn't imagine the homeless get too many opportunities to shave....including the women.

Maybe it's the cynic in me, but I'm not sure I would include mouthwash. Doesn't most mouthwash contain a decent amount of alcohol?

Yes it does. Good point. But I dont think I would find to many great deals on mouth wash anyways. It seems it is always easier to stock up on toothbrushes and toothpaste rather than mouthwash.

 

[nathaliabrown]

heres a small bump...

 

[BSil]

Why not contact Crest, or Listerine, or Johnson and Johnson etc, and tell them about your project? Even in a tough economy a little press is a good thing. Maybe they will send you a bunch of sample sized items to fill the bags with. Maybe they will send you the coupons you need. I think for a project like yours which is clearly a real human interest story, these manufacturers would help out.

 

[MrsPete]

We've done something similar with our scout troop, but we donated to the Battered Women's Shelter. I understand some women leave home with literally nothing but the clothes on their backs, and the center needs these bags to hand to them when they check in.

 

[tiferetsix]

I would add:

diapers
baby wipes
sugar / sweetener
hot chocolate / cocoa individual packages

(although the first two would depend on whether or not there are babies / toddlers resident in your local shelter)

 

[Gisele]

That is a good thing that you and your family are doing. Good for you for being pro-active.


It is important for those that are inclined in believing such, not to equate being "homeless" with being an alcoholic or an addict of any other nature. There are more and more people these days, that are losing their jobs, and as a result their homes as well, because of the economy. There are individuals and families that find themselves without a place to live as a result. Really no one is immune from this possibility.
Whom does anyone really know that will help them out, if one ends up in need of a place to stay? Let me tell you, the answer might be most unpleasant. Reason being although there are so many people that are in a position to assist their friends, or even strangers by offering them a space in their home, instead they elect not to do so. And for a gambit of reasons as well, everything from one being too set in their ways to even allow someone to sleep on their floor at night, to being concerned as to how it might negatively affect them otherwise, such as what will my friends think? The neighbors? My family? Maybe this and maybe that.... the litany of excuses as to why many people do not assist others continues. Mind you, of course there are those that would really love to help out, but really are not in a position to do so. I can understand that, and am not including them on my list of self - ish, self centered thoughtless and care less people. Just my opinion, experience and observation.

 

[SoonerSarah]

I think that combs are a good idea, as are baby wipes. The wipes do not need to be a brand name, and ones that come in the types of packages that make it reuseable (I'll see if I can post a link) would be even better because it will help them last longer.

I would contact area businesses and tell them what you are doing. Tell them that you are looking for any items that may be "damaged" and see if they can donate them. Any grocery stores, Sams Club type stores, whatever. In one town our congregation got unsold bread and pastries that we handed out at our food bank. The local Shoe Carnival would give shoes that they were not allowed to sell for whatever reason (we also had clothing, shoes and a small home goods section for fire victims).

Things like toothbrush and toothpaste packages that have been crushed or were mixed in with a shipping bin that also had liquid in it (which then soaked the toothpaste box and ruined it). They were still perfectly fine, but things that employees can't put on the shelves.

Go in person to the stores and ask to speak with a manager. We did a backpack drive for the kids of a low income housing complex and went to purchase items after they went on clearance. Becasue we were purchasing a large quantity, we had asked for some help, and word got to the store manager (Walmart), and he gave us 75 backpacks for free and gave further discounts on the school supplies.

 

[Cindy B]

I can give some info. I am a teacher in an inner city district.. and I have some homeless students and families. Around here, the shelter isn't that safe if you have kids (so the kids tell me).

And for the razor, well they can still be used even if you are homeless. I don't understand why they wouldn't? Of course if you are thinking electric, but that is still doable.

As for shampoo and conditioner, some of the products that I use are not that suitable for African American hair..I didn't know this until my students told me. Feminine products are always good. Dare I say condoms aren't a bad idea either. In my area, many of the homeless also work the streets. You may not want to go that route-- but it is a needed item. Just an FYI.

 

[Tygerlilly]

Just a thought, and it may be expensive, but what about flashlights and batteries? You just never know if youll need them...
Also bottled water?

 

[MommaSnowwhite]

While I realize not all homeless people have a problem with alcohol, many do. Be careful of mouthwsh - some contain alcoohol and may not be permitted.

I think what you are doing is a wonderful thing. Another option may be if your DH or anyone else you know travels alot, ask them to bring their hotel sizes to you. When my DH travel internationally extensively his company had a large bucket that would get filled by the ones that traveled and then the bucket was taken to a homelss shelter. They loved it because there were many different types of products.

 

[kayrosek]

I second calling local places but I would try production warehouses. My freinds husband works at one that prduces soap and products like that and they often have damaged items they just give thier employees. You might be able to get them to give you some of those items.

 

[starry_solo]

If you don't mind non-brand name baby wipes, you can go to the 99-cent store or even Dollar Tree and they have a resealable bag of 80-88 wipes for $1. The ones I've seen have Care Bears on the front Pink and blue.