How You can Help the Homeless this Thanksgiving 

The Thanksgiving holiday is, for many, a time to reflect on all that they’ve been blessed with throughout their lives. From friends and families to refrigerators stocked with food, people across the country have no shortage of things to be grateful for.

Let’s not forget, though, that there are many among us who aren’t as fortunate. Life can be challenging for those of us who have fallen on hard times, and while some spend the day giving thanks amongst loved ones, many are homeless, in search of stability, and in pursuit of a better life.

This Thanksgiving, join people around the country in donating to your local homeless shelter, and share in the joy of helping those who have no permanent place to call home. Below are items that are in demand at local shelters right now.

Toilet Paper & Bathroom Essentials

While clothing may be your first thought for donation, bathroom products are often in short supply at homeless shelters. This includes the most common products like soap, body wash, and shampoo, but also items that you may not immediately think of, like razors, first aid equipment, and more. 

Any products that can help in the treatment of minor wounds and cuts are also greatly appreciated, since they aren’t always donated at a high enough rate to meet demand. 

A solid rule when considering products to donate is thinking to yourself, “Would I need this product if I didn’t have it?” If the answer is yes, then chances are someone out there needs it too. 

Blankets

By the time Thanksgiving comes around, the cold weather tends to come with it. Blankets are one of the products homeless shelters get the most use out of due to their multi-purposed nature and usage.

Any and all blankets make for a good donations, but some blankets go further than others. 

Firstly, if you happen to have waterproof blankets available to donate, they can be extremely useful in keeping people warm and dry throughout the colder seasons. Naturally, waterproof blankets are a rare but extremely impactful donation.

The next best blankets to donate are typically of the heavier variety. It sounds obvious, but the heavier the blanket, the warmer the person using it will be. 

Leisure and Entertainment Products 

We’ve reached a point in our society where our handheld devices and entertainment products are practically second nature to us. These items are so common in our daily lives that it can be easy to forget that there are many who have to live without them.

How many of us have older but completely functional iPods, headphones, or Gameboys lying around? Products that seem old to some of us would be a welcome distraction for other folks.

A few other donations to consider are gift cards to movie theaters, retail stores, or other recreational activities. 

Having some fun can be a welcome distraction from a tough reality, especially during a holiday season.

Homeless shelters thrive off the generosity of their communities, and every community is made up of individuals. It’s easy, and sometimes correct, to assume someone else will donate these products, but the only way you can be certain is if you do it yourself. 

On this Thanksgiving, enjoy your families, friends, and that Thanksgiving Day feast. 

Homeless Shelters will truly appreciate whatever generosity you can extend. 

Categorised in: Donating, Grace Center, Homelessness, Lifebridge North Shore, Lifebridge Thrift Shop, Resources, River House, Seeds of Hope, Volunteer