To Give Help or Get Help in Northeast Michigan, Dial 2-1-1
Give Help
There's no better feeling in the world than the satisfaction of helping another human being in their time of need. Join the network of friends and neighbors who share their time, talents and treasure.
If your organization would like to be a part of our database, please submit the New Organization Request Form to see if your group qualifies. See our Inclusion/Exclusion Policy for listing criteria.
- Volunteer your time or talent
- If you have goods or services that you think would benefit a neighbor in need, call us by dialing 211.
- Call 2-1-1 to find out how you can become a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistant) in your area.
Ways to Help Those in Need
This is by no means a complete list, but can provide some great ideas to reach out to your
neighbors in need.
- 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
There are lots of great ways that you can affect change in Midland County. Here
are just a few fun ideas:
- Donate surplus or unneeded office equipment, furniture and supplies
- Donate extra furniture or house wares
- 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