I’ve noticed food and clothing donation boxes in the lobby the past few days. while making a dent in packing today, I added some clothing to the box. I’ve never worn the two tops. I bought them awhile ago, but they’re not my style.
How to give the needy food they would actually like.
How I did it: Ask. First ask yourself if you would eat it, then ask if you think your friends and family would eat it, then buy it and donate it.
Of course calling the local food pantry and soup kitchen and asking specifically what they really, really want is a great way to go. The first reply from any organization is usually "anything" as they are so glad to receive help, but with a little prying you can find out those things they know their guests would greatly appreciate.
Lessons & tips: If don't like it, and your kids don't like it, and no one you know doesn't like it - then others probably won't like it. So don't think you are doing anyone a favor by donating canned asparagus. (gah!)
Resources: Take advantage of coupons and specials, most canned and jarred items keep for over a year so picking up things and holding on to them until a local food drive is a great way to stretch your donation dollars.
Don't be afraid to ask around, tell neighbors, tell friends. Last year Jeero asked and received a carload of items with "store sample" lables on them from the local Williams Sonoma. All it took was a simple request.
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nicolasc is out of ideas for clever status lines... ...so...you know...deal.
I am trying hard to keep my own pantry stocked these days…
Stephanie Wokan is taking winter pictures
I like helping people who can’t help themselves. It makes me feel good inside knowing that I am making someone else’s life worthwhile.
~ John Lee ~ time to get busy on the new and fulfilling goal
Most of the government food programs (like food stamps) don’t cover things like cleaning supplies.
One of the cool programs that is run by the churchs of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark is the “care closet.” In addition to the food pantry programs, the care closet stocks items for caring for your body and home. Since only some churches are in “needy” areas, others like my serve as collection centers from where the items are then sent to other churches.
With food borne illnesses on the rise in the US, I like that we are thinking about other health related issues outside the pantry.
(I usually try to donate the grapefruit scented ones as I think they are a treat for the senses)
1GoddessSlightlyUsed Berkeley, Marin & Sonoma... here we come!
and pizzas are big favorites…
marathoner452 is a special education teacher at a school called "hope."
Kamp Katrina is getting dozens of chocolate chip cookies and fresh fruit from me these days. They’re tired of canned food, which is completely understandable.
Later this week I’m going to drop off a bag of clothes I don’t need anymore, partly to make room for new summer clothes and partly because I’m trying to accumulate as few things as possible. Do I really need that electric blue fleece pullover I haven’t worn in years, especially with warmer weather on the way? Probably not, and it would make me happy to come upon a street musician in the Quarter wearing it on one of the last chilly days of a New Orleans spring.
I don’t know if I will ever formally “complete” this goal or not.
But, I know in my heart that whenever I donate food now, at least I am doing my best to consider what they might like, and not just grab whatever I can find in the back of my pantry.
marathoner452 is a special education teacher at a school called "hope."
I “make groceries” (as we say in New Orleans) twice a month and I am going to start purchasing $10 worth of food to donate each time. This is just around the corner from where I live and houses homeless street performers, artists, writers, whoever needs a place to stay.
http://www.carnivalesquefilms.com/kamp_katrina.html
Emergency Communities closed yesterday, by the way.
I have done this and I encourage others to do so. So please during the upcoming giving season of food giving, give the foods you enjoy, and love.





