Places to donate excess stockpile items!

[Little Birdie]

Just yesterday I did a Google search for Iowa Women's Shelter and found Children and Families of Iowa. The run a lot of different programs and have a list of in kind donations that they accept on their web site.

I also searched for the local animal shelter and copied down their list. (Did you know they need office supplies--like pens!)

My stockpile is still tiny and scattered. But now I'll start looking for deals on dog food (I don't have a dog) or pick up more laundry detergent than I know we could possibly use because I know I'll have a place to give it. I've seen and passed up on deals like this cause I thought, "why pick up something I don't need?"

I'm still going to take care of my family first, but it's nice to know I can help others for nothing or pennies.

After I feel organized enough, I plan to find a couple more charities.

[pennywatcher]

Just yesterday I did a Google search for Iowa Women's Shelter and found Children and Families of Iowa.
<snip>
After I feel organized enough, I plan to find a couple more charities.

I started up a Georgia list. You might want to start up an Iowa one to share.

[Jiji]

After reading hotcouponmama's post about donating to a local shelter, it made me think about all the ways we can and do help other people. With me, of course I donate to a local woman's shelter and an emergency house for children who are pulled out of dangerous homes/situations with little except the clothes on their back. The other thing I like to do is more of a RAOK. When I see someone buying something that I have a coupon for that I won't need (or miss!!) I walk by them and say, "Here you can use this and now my good deed for the day is done". Most people really appreciate it and I've never had anyone react negatively. The worst I ever get is "What is this and how do I use it?". Well, after I come to, I give a brief explanation and I'm on my way. Once it turned into a 10 minute, blocking-the-aisles, pulling out of my binder tutorial.

What I would love to do is give a class to lower-income families to help them out. I know what it's like to live on food stamps or worry about stretching my food to last the week.

What do you or wish you could do?

[TheyCallMeMom]

I have alot of pet food, cleaning, office supplies etc. that I am bringing to the animal shelter Sunday.. I asked if they could use coupons to.. they have two ladies that do alot of shopping for them so they said "YEAH!" so what ever I havent used by then I will drop off..

I want to remind people that animal shelters need office supplies, and tp, paper twoles etc... mine says they mostly get pet food/litter which helps.. they can also use gas cards or store gift cards.. as they dont always have space for storage

[queenofthehivemomof5]

I just loaded up a family that my DD knows with some stuff. Sometimes giving it to someone we know, and they can truely use it is really satisfying.

I donate to other places as well much like the OP and posters below.

[chanfu]

Here are some donation suggestions based upon my own personal experiences in jobs or volunteer positions:

I used to volunteer for a sexual assault/domestic violence hotline, so I became familiar with what the local domestic violence shelters wanted. HBA items are always welcome, as are baby items. Adult women's and children's clothing are also wanted. Many survivors leave the abusive situation with only the clothes on their backs. A particular need is nice-looking business clothing in good condition that would be appropriate to wear for job interviews. Another need of some agencies and shelters is unwanted but working cell phones. Cell phones are required by law to allow you to call 911 for free, even if you're not hooked up to a plan. These phones are given to domestic violence survivors to use in emergencies (such as if they are being stalked or harassed). Call first before donating cell phones, though, because some places have been swamped with them.

I also used to work in a nursing home. We used to set up a little "general store" for the residents once a week, so they could buy things like HBA items, candy, snacks, greeting cards, stationery, and small gifts. Many of the residents were on Medicaid, which meant they had very little money to spend. I bet donations of the above items would be welcome. Sugar-free candy and snacks were particularly desired, as many residents were diabetic.

I did my graduate school internship at an agency that helps immigrants and refugees who have survived torture or political violence. These people were usually very poor and so the agency often put together gift packages for them of HBA items, household products, and backpacks and school supplies for the children. This is another kind of agency that could use these kinds of donations.

I recently speculated in another thread that community theaters might be able to use hair coloring products, especially men's hair color and temporary haircolors that can be washed out. My husband acts in community theater and sometimes uses men's haircolor products to cover the grey in his hair and beard when playing a younger character.

[speechteach]

OK, so my DH is getting a little annoyed with all the stuff I am bringing home. Says we don't need it, stop bringing it into the house to take up space. So, ok, maybe I do have a problem, but I am having fun! Anyway, I figured I would give a call to our local food bank to see what they accept, especially for HBA stuff (shampoo, razors, deodorant...). (We are a family of 3 and I have enough shampoo to last a family of 6 over a year I think!!! )

So I am just curious what you all do with all your "stuff?" I'm afraid if I don't start donating more, dh will cut me off entirely....how dreadful!:shrug7:

Help!

[kdownie]

I posted some on Freecycle just yesterday (a lot of hair coloring), and I got probably 10 responses already. I am giving it to the woman who is going to take it to a shelter that helps abused women. I don't need it, and she says that these women would love a bit of pampering!

[jreid0978]

you can donation to a local women sheltor

[MoJo]

There are lots of places that would love your donations!

In addition to the foodbank, check local shelters, the Red Cross and other community groups that reach out to people in times of need. In our town, we have a non-food bank that specifically addresses household essentials (toothpaste, soap, laundry detergent, etc.) that are not covered by food stamps.

Give generously. It will come back to you 100 fold.