During the upcoming cold months, there are many types of items that can be donated to keep those in your community warm, safe, and supported. However, while winter coats, mittens, and blankets are a great way to keep low-income families warm, think simpler. The items that we use everyday, these household essentials, are items that low-income families do not always have access to. These are essential household items that everyone should have, and unfortunately, many do not. Consider the following when you want to help ensure that those in your community get what they need.

When donating essentials in your community, it is best to first ask the shelter or charitable organization what they need. They may need baby items, toiletries, or feminine hygiene products, but often, they take a whole host of the items that those who live in comfortable homes take for granted. Among the items that are often needed include toilet paper, diapers, and dental hygiene products. Toilet paper is something that we use everyday, and it is unfortunately not widely available for every family. Diapers are a baby product that low-income families struggle to keep, and dental hygiene products much the same.

There are a list of still more things that can be donated to make low-income families’ lives easier. Donate shower and bath products, such as shower gel, soap bars, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, razors, and other hygiene products to help low-income and homeless individuals. For those people who are transient, you can donate travel sized bottles of hygiene products because large items are difficult to carry. 

Other toiletry necessities include first-aid products, such as bandaids, gauze pads, medicinal wipes, or travel size bottles of pain relief medication. For those who cannot regularly stock up on these items, first-aid items can literally be a lifesaver for someone with no other means to help themselves. Speaking of first-aid products, low-income or homeless women often do not have the tampons and pads they need. They do not only cost a lot of money, but because women cycle through them each month, they need to be replaced. Donating these items is always a good idea because this is underdonated item for many shelters.

Whether you search for donate used clothes near me or ask your local shelter which essential products they need, giving back to your community is always a great idea. Regardless of how or whatever you choose to donate, it is only important that you are offering quantifiable support to those in your community.