[mbchic2004]

I certainly hope it's OK that I post this here if not it can go whereever it needs to be.
However, I was thinking today of what to do with my 34 bottles of Theraflu and Triaminic, and my 40 boxes of bandaids, and all the mouthwash, toothpaste, deodorant, and other necessity items that we've all gotten at Walgreens over the past month as moneymakers that I have more than I could ever need. I decided the best thing to do would be a battered women's shelter.

So my husband and I packed up a nice big overflowing box of stuff today and took it up to the shelter. I tell ya, the first thing we heard when we walked up to the door was a baby crying, that about broke my heart right there knowing there were babies in there. Then, the whole place is locked up tight with an intercom system, presumably so abusive boyfriends/husbands can't get in there. The donation center is even on a different side of the building, also locked, and separated from the main building. There was a small room, probably about the size of an average bedroom where all the donated items were kept. It was filled but most of what I saw were TV's, diapers, blankets, not many health and beauty items (shampoos, razors, deodorants). They were so happy to suddenly have that much cold medicine, especially with it being the beginning of cold season.

Anyways guys, the point is, we all have a lot of "extra" items right now. And I know some people put it on E-Bay or Craigslist, or have yard sales, but maybe, especially with the holiday season coming up, we can all help out and give what we are able. Those so many out there who aren't as fortunate as some of our members on here.

I've also got some RR's to burn and I'm thinking of getting the toys Walgreens has 3 for 13.98 to donate.

Just something for us all to keep in mind when doing super stockpiling...

[charlinn]

Very good idea!! I have a ton of Thera Flu...I will be making a donation box and taking it to our local womens & childrens shelter!! I donate about every 2 years, my childrens outgrown toys and my outgrown clothes .

[couponlover49]

I agree. I've been doing this from the start. It's also a great tax right off! I need all the help I can get considering I don't own a house and I don't have kids.
I've packed up food, and all the health and beauty items, etc. It's a great feeling and clothes, etc. Anything I can find that is a good buy that won't break my budget, I donate. I was able to buy 30 cans of tomatoes and 80 boxes of Ronzoni and 10 pouches of tuna for around $.20 each so I can afford that and I can afford to give it to people who need it!

[tratra]

Originally Posted by mbchic2004

Anyways guys, the point is, we all have a lot of "extra" items right now. And I know some people put it on E-Bay or Craigslist, or have yard sales, but maybe, especially with the holiday season coming up, we can all help out and give what we are able. Those so many out there who aren't as fortunate as some of our members on here.

Ditto to that!
Thanks for looking out for your fellow man.

[sar1]

Just a note to check w/your donation center first. I was suprised to learn that the domestic violence center I donate to does not accept medications. Although if I had a stockpile of it to donate, they could probably tell me which local organizations would take it.

You gave a very generous donation and I'm sure they appreciate it! They probably don't get a lot of people donating expensive medicines!

[Cadnil]

And another note: Be careful when taking hubbie to the battered women's shelter. Some do not allow men inside the facility at all. Before he enters, confirm that it's okay.

[bewitched88]

Also check with your local Red Cross, mine was so happy with items I have to donate. They have an Aids/Hiv program that also goes around to homeless people and will distribute the stuff I donated. They were so happy!

[lisalouise37]

Also keep in mind when donating that trial sizes or samples (even stuff from hotel bathrooms) are appreciated at homeless shelters. The people have to carry stuff around with them and the small bottles are easier for a few days than a big bottle for a month.

[sar1]

Originally Posted by lisalouise37

Also keep in mind when donating that trial sizes or samples (even stuff from hotel bathrooms) are appreciated at homeless shelters. The people have to carry stuff around with them and the small bottles are easier for a few days than a big bottle for a month.

- this is another thing to check on first. The domestic violence center in my town also won't usually accept these! I asked why and it's b/c their residents live communally, sometimes for extended periods of time, and they share communal toiletries like shampoo. So I've had to find another home for them.

[priscillamylove]

I've been able to donate some things to my food shelf, such as deodorant, soap...basically personal health items.

[sar1]

One more thing... I do give a small amount of men's items to the domestic violence center - Pert Plus for Men, men's deodorant. I figure there may be teen boys in the family, right? It's not just women being helped there. (You'd think I could gather my thoughts and just post once instead of over and over, right? Sorry!)

[A2Woman]

Thanks for posting your donation!!! You are absolutely right that we have so much to give, especially this time of year. We give regularly to Safe House and Ozone House in the Ann Arbor area. My DD's High School Key Club takes homemade cookies to these safe houses on a weekly basis. These places would LOVE some of the free makeup! S.O.S. Community Service helps homeless families and takes donations, and they especially like trial size products.

[lovechelle27]

i LOVe ur post... i often think 'what is one person gonna do w/ aLL that... meds, shamp, etc.' and it's good to see that someone Is donating it! it's an amazing thing to be able to provide for people that don't have the means to buy all the necessities and doesn't cost much!

[simmonds4]

I think you did a very awesome thing! I know they will all go to great use!

[mbchic2004]

Originally Posted by Cadnil

And another note: Be careful when taking hubbie to the battered women's shelter. Some do not allow men inside the facility at all. Before he enters, confirm that it's okay.

I didn't even think about that one, although yesterday without him I would have been out of luck. Me and a 4 month old, a box I couldn't lift, and 2 older ladies working in the donation center. I can only imagine how that would have gone without him! LOL But next time I will call ahead and double check ahead of time.

[bigshirley]

Originally Posted by mbchic2004

I certainly hope it's OK that I post this here if not it can go whereever it needs to be.
However, I was thinking today of what to do with my 34 bottles of Theraflu and Triaminic, and my 40 boxes of bandaids, and all the mouthwash, toothpaste, deodorant, and other necessity items that we've all gotten at Walgreens over the past month as moneymakers that I have more than I could ever need. I decided the best thing to do would be a battered women's shelter.

So my husband and I packed up a nice big overflowing box of stuff today and took it up to the shelter. I tell ya, the first thing we heard when we walked up to the door was a baby crying, that about broke my heart right there knowing there were babies in there. Then, the whole place is locked up tight with an intercom system, presumably so abusive boyfriends/husbands can't get in there. The donation center is even on a different side of the building, also locked, and separated from the main building. There was a small room, probably about the size of an average bedroom where all the donated items were kept. It was filled but most of what I saw were TV's, diapers, blankets, not many health and beauty items (shampoos, razors, deodorants). They were so happy to suddenly have that much cold medicine, especially with it being the beginning of cold season.

Anyways guys, the point is, we all have a lot of "extra" items right now. And I know some people put it on E-Bay or Craigslist, or have yard sales, but maybe, especially with the holiday season coming up, we can all help out and give what we are able. Those so many out there who aren't as fortunate as some of our members on here.

I've also got some RR's to burn and I'm thinking of getting the toys Walgreens has 3 for 13.98 to donate.

Just something for us all to keep in mind when doing super stockpiling...

What a great thing you did...you'll never truly know just how many lives you've touched with one little donation!

[dmyersquin]

Way to go. I donate a lot of stuff too. So many people don't buy the stuff that is free with coupons because they don't use it. But someone can use it. Here are some of the places I donate to:
men's shelter - toothpaste, body wash, razors, etc.
humane society - free pet food, treats
senior center - all kinds of single serve meals, toilet paper, laundry detergent, toiletries. This is the place my parents eat lunch. We love to go visit with them, the seniors love my girls. They use our donations as bingo prizes.
we also took 2 names off the "senior angel tree" from my husbands' work and bought stuff for seniors living in a low-income senior housing complex.
There is also a ministry here to help some latino families that are struggling with reduced work hours, etc. I have donated bags of stuff to them.
And, toys I get at a good deal go in our gift closet. If we have a lot when the holidays roll around, we give to toys-for-tots.

Everyone keep up the good work. Every person does make a difference, Diana

[mbchic2004]

I'm happy that there are others on here who help donate! Where I live (Virginia Beach) there are a lot of homeless people and even more abused women. I know noone thinks of a nice vacation area being like that, but we are also a military town. And it's sad, but in military towns there are a lot of abused women. Unfortunately not ALL of our military members deal with the stress of the job well.

It's great that we can all help and I'm glad for the idea of donating pet food/supplies as well! I never thought of it and I've always got bunches of pet coupons I never use. The hamster doesn't require a whole lot of dog food or kitty litter!

[HBrowbn]

I was told at our local shelter that they have to be careful about razors, has this ever happened to anyone?

[bewitched88]

I am a huge animal lover. My SPCA has a Bark in the Park walk each year. This year I donated 5 baskets for them to raffle off. I did a health and beauty for men, one for women, a nail polish basket, a school supplies and a huge laundry basket with cleaning stuff etc.

The money they raise helps lots of animals in need. Think of things that mean something to you and they probably have fundraiser where you can do the same kinda thing

[mbchic2004]

OOhhh I like the basket idea for the animal shelters. It's wonderful that we are all able to donate to those who need the extra help. Even when it's not the holiday season we can still have sharing and giving in our hearts