what should I include in gift bags for mom's day 4 shelter?

Question

I am working on starting a not for profit program that does celebrations and parties for people who are in shelters, low income, nursing homes etc.. I want to try to do my first event for mothers day by donating gift bags to a shelter for mothers and children. Any ideas on what I can include in the bags? I will be asking people for donations of gifts (not money since I do not have a business license yet). Also any idea on how to find a small shelter? Should I try to make this a party or just a drop off kind of thing (I'm thinking security for the women may make having contact with them difficult) Any suggestions or ideas? Thanks so much!

Answer 1

O wow how wonderful!
Call the local school and ask for the homeless liaison for info on shelters where there would most likely be moms in your area or check with United Way or to reach moms homeless bec of domestic violence call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for info on how to find a domestic violence agency with a shelter in your area. .

Ask the director at which ever shelter seems best to you whether a party there or a drop off would be best. If you choose to do a party be sure the ppl helping you will show up and that they are not bringing an attutude if better than you with them. That would do more harm than good. If you could do it the day before mother's day it would be wonderful to bring each lady a rose real or probably better silk and bring a few extras to give the shelter to have for anyone who comes in the next day. This is a tiny touch that can help them feel more like a wonam and less like a piece of thrown away junk. Have an activity where the children make mothers day cards or maybe even a simple gift for their moms. Volunteers should be wlling to listen a lot and find common ground with the moms.

Best gifts will depend a little on the shelter. In some personal grooming and feminine hygine items may be furnished. In others these will be much needed and be the best gifts. It also makes a difference whether this is a short stay (1-14 day) situation or whether the moms and kids will be there a while. For short stay shelters bear in mind that more than half the ladies will be out and may be back on the street in less than a week so pocket size and easily packed are key criteria. In a shelter where the people are out immediately after breakfast and can't come back till supper fast food gift cards would be nice. There is a lot to be said for every mom getting the same thing to keep down fuss and stealing but there is also a lot to be said for asking the shelter staff about special inexpensive wishes of specific moms and encouraging donors to fulfill a special wish. One lady may need a pair of shoes, another may long for a nice hair clip, and someone else may want a book of puzzles or a green T shirt. Someone else might want/need a card to put time on her cell phone so she can call about jobs. One situation that happens with shelter living is that people begin to loose their individuality and sometimes something especially for her can make a world of difference.

Shelter residents have very little space for personal belongings in most cases so things that are not bulky and will fit in a back pack or duffel are best. Different shelters will have different rules but if it's OK with policy a couple of candy bars are a nice addition to the other gifts.

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Answer 2

I can answer this from experience.

Some things always needed:
Diapers
Baby Wipes
Bottles
Nipples
Wash Cloths
Towels
Soap
Shampoo/Conditioner
Feminine Hygiene Products
Deodorant
Cleaning Supplies
Onsies
Blankets

Some items always appreciated:
Magazines
Books
Board Games
Instant Tea and Coffee
Stationery
Stamps
Makeup
Hair Products
Toys
Puzzles

I think gift baskets are a great idea :) Unfortunately, shelters usually won't distribute individual gift cards and the residents don't always see the benefits of those.

I would discourage a party just because it's kind of embarrassing if it is a homeless shelter. While everything is appreciated and the residents like to be there to thank you...those kind of parties are often awkward. They wouldn't be allowed at a domestic violence shelter. At a nursing home, though, I'm sure they would be welcomed.

I would suggest doing web searches for shelters and/or calling the local library, newspaper, or department of health and human services. They usually know who needs what and how badly. Also, since you mentioned low-income, you could search for your local public housing apartments. If you call the office with your ideas, they might be able to tell you of a family or two in need of help, or give you a list of how many and how old the children are in that particular complex.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I'd make it a drop-off if I were you. You could include the kinds of things they wouldn't buy for themselves like lotions, scented soaps, and cologne. You could also put in gift cards for a resturant or a store. Candies and cookies would be good as well. Or you might contact a shelter and ask what they think would be the best.

Answer 4

Is your mom still married? If Yes, get her some Victoria Secret. Add some "yours and mine" KY. Then get her a "girl's night out pass to a Chick Flick. Take her out to dinner with HER friends. Buy their dinner. Let Dad stay at home and eat Pizza. No dishes to do. Treat your mom like the queen she is. Then take her home and reintroduce her to Dad. Put on a Michael Bolton CD and head for your room. That is not just romance. It is real love and respect.

Answer 5

Homeless women need tampons, deodorant, shower cap, underwear, AA batteries, ink pens, small writing pad, hairspray, wet wipes, and a small purse or tote to carry it all in.

Dial 211 from your dialtone phone and they can give you a list of women shelters in your area.

Drop-off sounds more feasible than a party.

Answer 6

Women always can use toiletries -soaps, lotions, etc.... you cannot go wrong with gift cards... that is an idea. Good luck with your project!