of Martin Luther King and I thought it would be appropriate to discuss
my work in the non-profit world. I know that many people want to serve
within their communities but don't have the time and would like to help in other
ways. One such way is in DONATING clothing and other items to those less fortunate.
If you've followed me for a while you know I've been volunteering at a
homeless shelter for women and children over a year now. The other
day as I searched through a donated bag of clothing I stared in disbelief
at a STAINED pair of underwear. Seriously, I am really disgusted with
humanity 80% of the time. We've received boxes of clothing with BLOOD,
stains and even mice and mice droppings in it. WHAT is WRONG with people?
homeless shelter for women and children over a year now. The other
day as I searched through a donated bag of clothing I stared in disbelief
at a STAINED pair of underwear. Seriously, I am really disgusted with
humanity 80% of the time. We've received boxes of clothing with BLOOD,
stains and even mice and mice droppings in it. WHAT is WRONG with people?
Tips to GIVING to a Homeless Shelter
The FIRST rule in donating to a homeless shelter is CALL or visit their website
to see what they actually NEED. You may have a closet full of great size 12
clothing but unless there's a person residing in the shelter who
can fit a size 12, or the shelter has a storage closet,
it serves no purpose. Many times we've had to RE-DONATE what
was given to us b/c some people are intent on giving what THEY want to give.
can fit a size 12, or the shelter has a storage closet,
it serves no purpose. Many times we've had to RE-DONATE what
was given to us b/c some people are intent on giving what THEY want to give.
Second, do not give anything to a homeless person that you wouldn't give
to your close friends. Would YOU give your friends your used
stained underwear? How about a shirt with a huge hole in it?
WHERE THEY DO THAT AT? Wouldn't you give your close friend
a nice piece of clothing that was already laundered? I know I would.
stained underwear? How about a shirt with a huge hole in it?
WHERE THEY DO THAT AT? Wouldn't you give your close friend
a nice piece of clothing that was already laundered? I know I would.
Sadly some people feel homeless persons should be grateful for
even THEIR stained underwear. I feel very sorry for these type
of people and will quote my father-in-law, "you have no pride or shame"
(RIP).
even THEIR stained underwear. I feel very sorry for these type
of people and will quote my father-in-law, "you have no pride or shame"
(RIP).
Third - if you'd like to really help out ask for the Wish List and
have some friends, students or coworkers help you out.
One church asked their members to donate cleaning supplies
to our shelter and collected it one evening at their weekly
have some friends, students or coworkers help you out.
One church asked their members to donate cleaning supplies
to our shelter and collected it one evening at their weekly
services. We have enough cleaning supplies now to last a few
months. The same can be done with gift cards, towels,
toothpaste etc. These are great alternatives to giving money.
Most homeless shelters can ALWAYS use paper towels,toilet paper,
sanitary napkins, towels,diapers, dish liquid, detergent etc.
months. The same can be done with gift cards, towels,
toothpaste etc. These are great alternatives to giving money.
Most homeless shelters can ALWAYS use paper towels,toilet paper,
sanitary napkins, towels,diapers, dish liquid, detergent etc.
Volunteer your time if you can. You would be surprised in the many ways
you can help out at a homeless shelter from answering the phones to
doing crafts with children.
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| Me cleaning historic cemetery year ago on MLK day |
Did you do anything on Service Day? If so do share below.
I always do a check on what I am donating and I never donate undergarments.
ReplyDeletePeople really have some nerve! I help my mom with Mission work in our current city and I get SO frustrated when we find things like that as well. We've found the "stains" too..... Just because people are homeless doesn't mean we have to disrespect them or treat them any less because of their current situation.
ReplyDeleteI have nominated you for a liebster award!
http://blessedamazingly.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-2nd-leibster-award.html
Hi Martina, thanks!
DeleteWhy would anyone send stained underwear...why would you even send a used underwear in the first instance...sigh...Great work you are doing down there.
ReplyDeleteI really love how MLK day has become a day of service. I wish I could participate, but right now the kiddos hold me back.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips on how to donate. I would think some of that would be common sense!