Hello,
The first questions that are always asked are: Are you asking for money,
who are you, what is your affiliation to these organizations, and how
did you get into this?
First, NO, I
am not asking for money. Although that is always needed, that is not
my purpose here. For monetary donations, you must send to the shelters.
I
am a retired woman, who needed something to do after working for 30
odd years. Housework was just not enough. I am authorized by each of
the organizations on the allies page
as a volunteer. As to how I got started into this: one day a friend
asked if I had any soaps, shampoo, conditioner, etc., collected from
motels while on vacation. Her purpose was to donate them to the shelters
in the area. Until that time, I had no idea how many needy people there
were in this vicinity. I knew of a battered women's shelter, but that
was all. I, too, had been abused for more years than I wish to remember.
I have been blessed since 1982 by being married to my present husband,
who is the kindest person I have ever met. I decided it was time to
give something back to the community. I felt a few bars of soap and
shampoo was not quite enough.
After finding
out more about my community, and how many shelters and organizations
there were, I realized that all of them depend almost entirely (if not
entirely) on monetary donations from grants as well as individuals.
No matter how many funds they are able to receive, there is never enough
to fill all their needs.
I thought perhaps
companies would donate some of their products that have a common everyday
need in each of the shelters. This may free up some of the shelter funds
for much needed services rather than everyday items such as bathroom
tissue, paper towels, soap, cleaning products, etc.. Those types of
items literally "eat up" their funds. By doing this, it may enable another
hour of a counselor, or teacher, or much nicer Christmas party for the
children than they would normally have.
There are any number of things that
the shelter's staff need to help them help their clients. You would
be surprised how much pleasure some of the clients receive out of a
nice bottle of shower gel, or conditioner for their hair. Things that
are not considered a necessity for the limited funds available. Please
read the common wish list that all shelters have need of each day.
