The warming shelter opens today, and there is a long list of items that they need. But . . . uh, only the things on this list.
This is their words, not mine. So friendly.
If an item is NOT on the list below, please assume that we CANNOT accept it.
Working TV and converter box with needed cables
Toothbrushes and travel-size toothpaste
Coffee: regular / decaf
Hot Tea
Madison Metro bus tickets
Rolling suitcases / backpacks / luggage tags
Shelf-stable creamer
Working Coffee Maker and appropriate filters
New or gently used winter hats / mittens / scarves
Sweetener packets, sugar packets, Stevia packets, honey packets
Heavy Duty garbage bags
Band-Aids / adhesive bandages
Peanut Butter
Disposable utensils
Ibuprofen
Breakfast/granola bars
DVD player and needed cords
Journals / paper pads / notebooks
Individual size: fruit cups and applesauce
DVDs
Working pens / markers
Pretzels / Mixed Nuts
Dish soap and scrubber/cloth
Scotch tape / masking tape
Individually-size Microwave Meal
Magazines / novels / non-fiction
Pill boxes
Instant Oatmeal
Crossword puzzle / game books
2013 planners
Pastries / rolls
Disposable plates / cups / bowls
Holiday Greeting Cards / Stamps
Beef Jerky / Slim Jims
Water Cooler with hot water ability and water jugs
New or gently used nail polish and nail clippers
Chewing Gum
New or gently used socks (adult sizes)
Sunglasses
Fruit Juice cans / boxes
New or gently used winter boots (adult sizes)
Gift certificates to super-stores, for staff to obtain needed items
Graham Crackers
Working Microwave
Snow shovel / broom / dust pan
Individually wrapped cracker sandwich snacks
Female hygiene supplies (tampons and pads)
Outdoor plastic chairs for smoking area
Individual size hot chocolate packets
Travel-size lotion and shampoo
Can opener
Pop tarts / toaster pastries
Chapstick / lip balm
Working toaster
Easy-open tuna packs / individually-sized cans
Cough Drops
Lanyards with ID holders
Cup a Soup / a Noodles
I’ve been in a position where unneeded donations have taken up a great amount of staff time, storage space, and even cost for disposal. No need to be snarky about their giving very clear and specific directions about what they will and won’t find useful.
So, I’m not the Queen of subtlety, but there is a better way to say this. Instead of “If an item is NOT on the list below, please assume that we CANNOT accept it.” How about saying something like . . . “Thank you for considering donating to us! Due to limited space, we can only accept the following items. While all donations are greatly appreciated, please understand that we have limited space or consider donating to another worthy group. ” If the attitude wasn’t such a pervasive issue with Porchlight, I might have overlooked it, but the reality is that they need to work on their people skills and perception!
Can we make nut mixes or chex type mixes and individually bag and bring over, or is only store version stuff accepted? Thanks.
Also, I’m still cluelessly looking for who to contact. Sorry if it’s right in front of my nose. Thanks.
There is no phone or computer access there yet. Seriously. So, I’m not sure who to contact except to just stop by and talk to Sarah or Z! Sarah gave this email to the neighbors, but I don’t know when she will answer it. gillmore_s@yahoo.com As far as I know you just have to stop in.
I don’t know the answer to that question . . . that are pretty particular.