Helping people, organizations, or communities in need is one of the best things human beings can do. And there is no limit to the ways one can help out. From a multitude of charities to acts of kindness, there are lots of ways to give back. Donating is one of those ways and while it's nice to give used goods, sometimes groups and shelters need donations of new items to accomplish their mission effectively.
Of course, lots of people and groups, even animals, need help, and there a plenty of new things to purchase to do that — from leashes for shelter dogs to new school supplies for students. But we focused here on donations that shelters housing people in need, such as the homeless and domestic violence victims, desperately need. These include everything from new undergarments to toothbrushes, new towels, and sheets.
Psst: If you purchase an item from this post, CafeMom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
Athletic Crew Socks
Socks are desperately needed in shelters all over the country. Places like Walmart sell a whole bunch for cheap, including this 20-pack of black or white crew pairs. They can keep feet warm in the winter and prevent blisters in the summer.
Athletic Works Crew Socks ($20, Walmart)
Classic Briefs
Briefs for both men and women are also needed in shelters and, for obvious sanitary reasons, they need to be new. Who doesn't appreciated a fresh pair of undies?
Hanes Classic Briefs (Target, $15)
Bottled Water
Bottled water isn't ideal for everyday use due to the plastic use, but it can be extremely valuable at homeless shelters or other homes where folks tend to be in and out. Instacart has a pack of 35 bottles for $5.
Nestle Bottled Water ($5, Instacart)
Q-tips Original Cotton Swabs
Cotton swabs are one of those toiletry items that are so vital and so versatile but often forgotten, especially when it comes to donations. They can help with administering creams or clean (safely) ears.
Q-tips Original Cotton Swabs ($6, Walmart)
Deodorant
Deodorant should be a given no matter a person's personal situation, but it often isn't. But it's not something that can be donated used or shared. Buying deodorant in bulk is affordable and will help lots of people.
Suave Deodorant ($1.75, Dollar General)
Tampons
Tampons are another toiletry item that should be free for all people with periods and yet it's a huge need in shelters for folks who can't afford or easily get tampons or other feminine products of their own. Most shelters will only accept unopened boxes.
Tampax Tampons ($7, Target)
Sanitary Pads
Of course, not everyone who has periods uses tampons, but that doesn't mean they won't need products. Donating several packs of pads will surely be welcome at most shelters catering to women and teen girls.
Always Pads ($3, Walmart)
Travel-Sized Shampoo
Most shelters won't accept open bottles of shampoo. That's where buying new bottles comes in. Travel sizes make it easy for people to use the items and to take them with them when they leave the facility.
Head & Shoulders Travel Shampoo ($9, Amazon)
Comb Assortment
People in shelters don't always have even the most basic of grooming tools, like combs. They're important for looking neat when applying for jobs, for court dates, or for neatening up the kiddos before school.
Conair Comb Assortment ($2, Walgreens)
Sheets Set
Sheets, not something one would think would be donated but it makes for a more cozy and clean sleeping space for shelters. Sheets can come in twin sizes, or the size the local shelter asks for, and in many colors.
Comfort Classics Sheets Set (from $13, Walmart)
Towel Set
Clean towels can make a person feel so much better. In theory, towels can be donated if they're used but also thoroughly washed, but it's much better for the towels to be brand new. Finding sales means it's possible to donate more for less.
Hotel Collection Towel Set ($7 on sale, Macy's)
Cotton Washcloths
Big towels are needed, but smaller washcloths are useful, too. They're great for traveling with, but can also help for cleaning little ones quickly. A pack of 24 means several families can benefit.
Amazon Basics Cotton Washcloths ($16, Amazon)
Nail Clippers
Nail clippers are another tool to buy as a donation for folks who need some basic tools to use to spruce up. Foot problems are common among those who live in shelters, and being able to keep up on foot care can go a long way to help.
Japonesque Nail Clipper ($3, Target)
Travel Tissues
Tissues seem like they're abundant everywhere in places that can afford them, like offices or even at one's own home, but they're needed in shelters. People in need get sick, too, even volunteers in certain spaces, so why not gift them support.
Kleenex Travel Tissues ($1, Target)
Fragrance-Free Baby Wipes
When tissues aren't enough, baby wipes are universally amazing and much-needed for pretty much doing anything. They can clean baby's bottoms and faces as originally intended, but they can help spruce up adults and animals, too.
Parent's Choice Fragrance-Free Baby Wipes ($19, Walmart)
Reading Glasses
Glasses are another thing that many people take for granted being able to have or afford. Donating glasses that can help people who need help reading can go a long way and change their lives in an eye-opening way, literally.
Reading Glasses ($12, Amazon)
Onesies
Onesies are the item that all babies need. It keeps them warm, makes sure that diapers aren't too exposed but instead nice and secure and can prevent clothing from irritating sensitive skin. A bulk pack means baby can get changed more often.
Gerber Onesies ($10, BuyBuyBaby)
Toothpaste
We can talk about personal hygiene all day but it's not a full picture without recommending toothpaste. It's a product that needs to be bought new and its something everyone needs to have. Dental care is so vital for overall health.
Colgate Toothpaste ($8, Amazon)
Toothbrushes
Speaking of oral care, one definitely needs toothbrushes to go along with the toothpaste. It's another product that Amazon has a bunch of for a relatively affordable price. A pack of 100 toothbrushes costs less than $20/
Natraco Toothbrushes ($19, Amazon)
Gift Cards
Last but not least, we added gift cards to our list, and while it might not be a concrete product, it's needed by organizations to buy the things they may not have but really need.
