Giving Options for Students, Classrooms, and Schools
Collect Toys and Games for Donations: Give gently used toys that you do not use anymore or new toys to a place that could use them. Get your friends to do the same. Bring them to a shelter or community organization, and play with the toys with the other children.
Hold Supply Drives: Food, clothing and coats (new or gently used), toiletries and diapers, toys and games, books and school supplies, kitchen utensils, and furniture are often in high demand. The lack of clean, well-fitting clothes and shoes causes great hardship beyond exposure to the elements; it hurts one's self-image and one's chance to get ahead. Before you start a drive, talk to your local shelter: find out what items they really need. Most have limited storage space, and need certain goods at certain times. Please clean all clothing and supplies before you donate them.
Donate Admission Fees from Events: When you have dances, sporting events, or plays, ask if the money raised from admissions can be donated to an organization that helps people who are homeless. Or, instead of charging money, have people bring canned food or supplies as a donation.
Have a Fundraiser: Donate money raised at a garage sale, car wash, talent show or pancake breakfast to a homeless shelter or service provider. Organize a bike or walk-a-thon and donate the proceeds. Sponsor a benefit concert featuring local musicians (and include homeless musicians on the program). Make and sell crafts (include homeless persons' crafts as well).
Create a Library for a Shelter or Homeless Service Provider: Hold a book drive for new or used books. Find a spot in a shelter where the books can be kept.
Support a Homeless Person or Family: As they move out of a shelter or transitional housing program, assist by contributing household goods, babysitting, and moral support. Create "Goodbye Baskets" with needed supplies for a new home.
|
