food for thought
Because people are hungry for more than food.
Needful Things We distribute more than brown bag lunches downtown on Saturdays. We also give away gently used clothing and hygiene products every week.
Hygiene Items
Along with lunches on Saturday, we also have a hygiene station set up. Here, people are able to pick up soap,
shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, foot powder and tissues. We even offer seasonal items - sunscreen in the
summer and cough drops in the winter. Little things that are everyday needs, for some people, are very difficult
to come by. Everyone has the opportunity to stop by our hygiene station and pick up what they need.
If you're interested in donating, we mostly hand out travel-size (think hotels!) shampoos, soap, hand lotion, non-alcoholic mouthwash, toothpastes, facial tissues, sunscreen (summer), foot powder (winter), toothbrushes, and - for the ladies - tampons and sanitary pads. You can occasionally find a good deal on travel-size toiletries on certain auction sites, and you might consider asking your dentist for donations of dental care items - including floss! Have questions?
Clothing
Sometimes a clean pair of socks and a fresh T-shirt are all someone needs to feel a little better about themselves.
Each Saturday we give away clean items of clothing, and pairs of shoes to those who need them. Sometimes we are
even able to get people clothes to go on job interviews. Meeting people’s basic needs speaks dignity into their
lives. Dignity just might be the thing some people need to change the direction of their life.
Although we sort through all clothing given to us, we definitely appreciate donations of clean, well cared-for used clothing. Jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, other casual clothing, and shoes go quickly. Socks are HUGELY needed, especially during winter, as well as coats, sweaters, gloves, hats, and scarves. Sometimes men need steel-toed shoes in order to start a job, so don't be afraid to donate a "less obvious" item of clothing. Oh, and while you're going through clothing, we'll take any extra backpacks/bookbags you might have laying around! Have questions?
Remember, the "stuff" we give out is just a conversation starter. When one of our downtown friends tells us they come more for the smiles and the chatting than for the freebies, we know we've been successful! Check out our Saturday Stories!