Donate your time & talents

There are lots of great ways that you can help bring about change. Here are just a few fun ideas:

• Volunteer your time or talent with your local United Way.
• Call 2-1-1 to find out how you can become a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistant) in your area.
• Offer your talents to help out the community (legal, tax, automotive, building trades, teaching, first aid, etc).
• Collect donated artwork and wall hangings and host an auction to raise money or provide artwork for a local agency.
• Donate the proceeds of your rummage sale or promote it as a fundraiser.
• Donate the remaining items after a rummage sale.
• Organize your local service groups for a community project.
• Make quilts, blankets, mittens and scarves for those in need.
• Euchre parties with proceeds benefiting local charity.
• Donate the unused bikes in your garage to help with local transportation.
• Charge “pantry items or food” as admission to local events.
• Hold a “birth”day party, with everyone bringing gifts for a local at-risk mother and newborn child.Put together Easter baskets for local children.
• Lend your muscle to help with a building project.
• Have a penny war to raise awareness and money for local project.
• Hold an online auction.

Donate needed goods

This is by no means a complete list, but can provide some great ideas to reach out to your neighbors in need. If you have goods or services that you think would benefit a neighbor in need, call us by dialing 211.

HOUSEHOLD GOODS

Kitchen equipment (pots, pans, dishes, utensils, silverware, placemats, etc.

Appliances (stoves, microwaves, refrigerators, freezers, etc.)

Furniture (beds, couches, chairs, dining sets, dressers, lamps, etc.)

Art and wall hangings

Linens, towels, blankets, bedding, comforters, pillows, etc.

PERSONAL CARE

Soap, shampoo, conditioner, bubble bath, toothbrush/toothpaste, etc.

Razors, shaving cream, deodorant, etc.

Hairbrushes, combs, hairspray

Dishwashing detergent, sponges, dishtowels, etc.

Laundry soap, dryer sheets, bleach, etc.

CLOTHING

Clothing for men, women and children

Shoes, slippers, socks, etc.

Coats, boots, mittens, hats, snow pants, etc.

Prom dresses, working suits and clothing

FOOD

Canned goods, dry goods, spices, mixes, etc.

Storage containers, storage bags, lunch bags, etc.

Fresh produce (lettuce, fruit, vegetables, etc)

Meat

Leftover food from event, dinner, breakfast or lunch meeting (we can arrange for a pickup and redistribution of food)

BABY CARE

Diapers, formula, baby food, cereal, etc.

Blankets, clothes, hats, booties and shoes, etc.

Breast pumps, monitors, infant toys, etc.

MEDICAL NEEDS

Wheelchairs, crutches, nebulizers, walkers, etc.

Bandages, band aids, topical ointments, rubbing alcohol

Pain relievers, over the counter aids

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Weatherization materials (caulk, window and door sealing kits, etc.)

Lumber, nails, screws, insulation, drywall, windows, doors, etc.

Stain, paint

OFFICE EQUIPMENT

Desks, filing cabinets, chairs, tables, bookshelves, etc.

Paper, pencils, pens, copier paper, staplers, tape, etc.

Toner cartridges, printers, copiers, etc.

VOUCHERS OR GIFT CERTIFICATES

Money orders to Consumers Power to help those struggling with utility costs

Laundry vouchers from local Laundromats

Transportation tickets from Dial A Ride or County Connection

Gas cards

Auto repair vouchers for transportation

Haircut vouchers

OTHER ITEMS

Firewood for home heating

Used bikes (for adults and children)

Toys, books, scooters

Used cell phones, chargers, adapters, etc.

Backpacks full of school supplies

Surplus venison during hunting season or because of a being hit by car