Helping the Poor

Someone with a clothes donation box wondering where to donate clothes for the homeless.

May 20 2022

9 Best Places to Donate Clothes for the Homeless

Someone making an offering at the church, one of the four types of giving according to the bible.

Published May 20, 2022

If you’re thinking to yourself “where can I donate clothes for the homeless?”, then you’re in the right place on the web.

As you probably know, homeless people have so few personal possessions including clothes. So if you want your clothes to go to people that really need them, donating them to the homeless is a great idea.

But with so many places that accept clothing donations, you can’t always ensure that your donations go to the homeless. That’s why in this post we’ll only cover those places that cater directly to homeless people.

Where to Donate Clothes for the Homeless

When donating clothes to the homeless, the best places to start are local homeless charities.

Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with national charities like Goodwill and Salvation Army. But these places operate by selling donated goods and using the proceeds for their various programs. So your donations are more likely to end up in a thrift shop than in a homeless person’s wardrobe.

With that, here are some of the best places to donate clothes for the homeless:

1. Homeless Shelters

This is one of the most obvious choices if you’re looking to help the homeless in your area.

Aside from temporary accommodations, homeless shelters also provide basic necessities to their guests. This includes food, hygiene items, and clothes. They are usually in need of seasonal clothing items like jackets, socks, and the like. If you have linens and towels, you can throw them in too as shelters often lack those.

Coordinate with the local homeless shelter in your area to see what items they accept. Some places may offer pick-up. But most of the time, you’ll have to bring your donation to their office.

2. Soup Kitchens

Despite their name, soup kitchens don’t just serve soup to the homeless. Many places offer a full meal, not just to the homeless but to anyone in need. But aside from hot meals, many soup kitchens also provide clothing and other basic necessities.

At Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen, for instance, we provide clothing items to our guests. Among them are shorts, pants, socks, and even shoes.

Not all soup kitchens, however, accept clothing donations. So call your local soup kitchen first to verify if they do accept donations and what items they accept. View a list of the types of donation our soup kitchen accepts here.

3. Youth Emergency Shelters

Many young people who run away from home end up in youth emergency shelters. And many of them left home with nothing but the clothes on their back. As such, your clothing donations will surely be appreciated.

Like many places on this list, youth emergency shelters are often in need of seasonal clothes. Some places also accept swimwear and activewear.

Remember, however, that the guests in these places are people in their teens or 20s. So if you think your used clothes aren’t appropriate for that age bracket, better take them elsewhere.

4. Domestic Violence Shelters

As their name suggests, domestic violence shelters provide a safe haven to victims of domestic abuse. Most of the time, they take in entire families with the mother and her children, and pregnant women.

So if you have used baby clothes, pregnancy clothing, and children’s wear, this is a good place to donate them. Make sure to coordinate with them first before hauling out your donations to the front steps.

A bunch of donated clothes for the homeless.

5. Animal Shelters

Homelessness doesn’t just happen to humans. The world is filled with millions of homeless animals too. Many of them found refuge in animal shelters. If your pet has some clothes, collars, or toys that they’ve outgrown, don’t let them end up in landfills. Donate them to animal shelters instead.

6. Transitional Living Programs

Transitional living programs are designed to help homeless young adults get back on their feet and live healthy lives as productive adults. Most of the people who go through this program either live in host families or group homes. While others are living in supervised apartments rented by the community.

Since most of these young adults have been homeless for some time, they don’t have much in the way of clothes. Also, these people are training for work but most of them don’t have or can’t yet afford work-appropriate clothes.

Giving them your gently-used coats, long-sleeved shirts, and any work-appropriate clothes would be a great start in helping them turn over a new leaf.

7. Emergency Response Programs

Emergency response or disaster relief shelters offer temporary accommodations to victims of disasters and calamities. Obviously, most people who take refuge in these facilities don’t have many personal possessions. In some cases, all they have are the clothes on their back. Donating your clothes is a great way to help them start anew.

8. Places of Worship

Churches, temples, mosques, synagogues, and other places of worship usually hold donation drives for homeless people. If your local place of worship doesn’t have one scheduled, you can ask your worship leader to organize one. Or if you’re not affiliated with any religion, you can ask your friends and family members if their place of worship accepts clothing donations.

9. Dress for Success

One of the factors that prevent homeless people from securing a job is the lack of work-appropriate attire. That’s exactly what Dress for Success hopes to achieve. Its mission is to help homeless and underprivileged women get a job and gain financial independence. To that end, they give them free work clothes as well as professional styling advice.

Dress for Success partners with local charities across the US as well as in 22 other countries. If you want to donate to them, you can visit their website to see if they have any partner charities near you.

Tips When Donating Clothes to Homeless People

Now that you know where to donate clothes to the homeless, here are some tips to keep in mind when making clothing donations.

1. Don’t donate what you won’t wear

A general rule of thumb when donating clothes is to not donate what you won’t wear. Clothes that are heavily stained or have rips and tears should be donated to a material recycling facility, not to the homeless. I mean, they’re already at the lowest point in their lives. Giving them tattered clothes is like rubbing salt on their wounds. Instead of helping, you could end up insulting them.

2. Wash the clothes before donating

I know you want to get rid of your old clothes but you should make sure they’re clean before donating them. Otherwise, these facilities will have to spend their already very limited resources to get those clothes cleaned before they can be distributed to the homeless.

3. Call or visit the charity first

I’ve said this many times before, coordinate with the charity first before hauling your donation on their doorsteps. This will not only help you determine what items to donate but also when to bring your donations in.

Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida Online

Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has fed the poor and homeless in South Florida over 900,000 hot meals since 1993. Our 501(c)(3) non profit organization also collects and distributes donations such as clothing, toiletries, shoes, bicycles, and more. You can donate to help the poor and homeless through our website.

Judy Ponio is a professional writer for Our Father's House Soup Kitchen

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a professional writer and SEO specialist. She works hard to ensure her work uses accurate facts by cross checking reputable sources. She is the lead author for several prominent websites covering a variety of topics including law, health, nutrition, and more.

Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.

A group of people looking for ways to give back to the community.

April 22 2022

10 Ways to Give Back to the Community Even With No Money

Content Team Helping the Poor

Published April 22, 2022

One common misconception people have about charity and giving back is that it’s only for those who’ve got a lot to spare. But giving back doesn’t necessarily involve shelling out thousands of dollars. You can help people even if you don’t have millions in your bank account.

When helping people, what really matters is the intent. Anyone can give out cash. But it takes someone who truly cares to make a real difference. So if you want to help, don’t let your financial situation prevent you from doing so.

Here are some ways you can give back to the community even if you’re not rich:

1. Help a Neighbor Out

One of the first things you can do to give back to your community is to help a neighbor in need. Whether it’s mowing their lawn or helping them with the groceries, there are a lot of ways you can help your neighbor out.

Even just sharing some of your home-cooked food with them would be a huge help especially if you know that they’re struggling. Any gesture of kindness will surely be appreciated.

2. Volunteer at a Local Charity

Every community usually has local charities. This means that there are plenty of volunteering opportunities to help people in need.

Nonprofits like homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and food pantries are often in need of an extra pair of hands. Ask around to see if there are any calls for volunteers. Or you can also visit in person the organization itself to see if they need some help.

3. Organize a Fundraiser

You may not have the funds to support the cause or charity you care about. But you can always rally together with the community to raise funds.

Organizing a fundraiser activity may take a lot of time. But you can always do simple ones like a community bake sale, a weekend yard sale, or a charity car wash. What matters most is to unite the community for a common cause.

4. Plant a Tree

Trees are undoubtedly one of the most underrated things on this planet. They not only provide us with oxygen and wood for our building needs. But they also protect us from floods and other ecological disasters.

So if you plant a tree today, you’re ensuring the future of the future generations. And that’s one of the greatest gifts you can give to the community.

Someone planting a tree as a way to give back to the community.

5. Donate Used Stuff

If you have clothes, shoes, blankets, furniture, or books that you’re not using anymore, donate them to your local charity. Most homeless shelters and soup kitchens accept gently used items. Some even organize donation drives on a regular basis.

Or if there are no local charities near you, you can also give it to your neighbor or anyone you know who can use those items.

6. Spread Good News

Good news is like precious artifacts nowadays. They’re so rare, you can practically put them up for auction. So rather than spreading rumors and malicious gossip about someone, start spreading good news instead. You won’t only foster good relations with your neighbors, you’ll also help brighten their day too.

7. Organize a Community Clean-up

Aside from bringing the community together, community clean-up drives also help ensure your neighborhood’s livability. Plus, it teaches young children the value of maintaining a clean environment.

8. Recycle

In some places, recycling is a mandate rather than an option. But if your community doesn’t have ordinances about recycling yet, then it’s time that someone starts doing it. You can even inspire your neighbors to do it too. Or better yet, organize an information campaign around your community about the benefits of recycling.

Segregating trash is also a way to give back to the community.

9. Support Local Businesses

With the economy as it is, many small businesses are currently struggling. As such, getting support from the local community would be a huge help.

Instead of getting everything from Walmart or Target, shop at the local farmer’s market. They offer fresh produce straight from the farmers themselves. Their organic products are generally cheaper than the grocery stores too.

10. Join a Community Garden

Participating in community gardening initiatives has a lot of benefits. For one, you’ll help the community gain better access to fresh foods and increase food security. Plus, it’s an opportunity to teach kids about the importance of eating healthy and growing their own food.

On a personal level, gardening and being out in the sun can also help boost your overall mental wellbeing. So if you’re feeling down lately, pick up your spade and head on to your community garden.

These are just some of the things you can do for your community. At the end of the day, it’s your intent and commitment to better the lives of others that will make all the difference.

Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida Online

About The Author

Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.

March 25 2022

7 US Charities With Book Donation Drop Off Stations

Content Team Helping the Poor

Published March 25, 2022

Whether you’re a bookworm or not, you probably have some books lying around gathering dust. And I bet what brought you to this post is because you’re thinking of donating them.

Donating used books is one of the best ways to give back. According to a study, about 640,000 tons of books end up in landfills every single year. Just imagine how much paper is wasted, not to mention the knowledge contained in between those pages.

What makes this even more unfortunate is that some students have to forgo meals just to buy books – probably the very same books that are lying in a dumpster somewhere.

So if you’re ready to do your part to end this unfortunate cycle, here are some US-based charities that have book donation drop off locations:

1. Salvation Army

Most Americans are familiar with the Salvation Army. They accept just about anything that can still be sold in their thrift stores including used books. Both hardback and paperback books are welcome as long as they’re still in good condition.

Donated books are usually sold in their thrift stores. The proceeds from which are then used to fund the charity’s various programs. Some books may also end up in the charity’s homeless shelters.

The best thing about the Salvation Army is that they have drop-off locations all over the US. And if you’re too busy to drop your donation in one of their bins, you can also call them to schedule a pick-up.

You can find the nearest Salvation Army book donation drop-off location here.

2. Better World Books

Based in Indiana, Better World Books collects used books that would otherwise end up in a landfill and sell them online. The proceeds are then used to fund various initiatives to support global literacy. They partner with libraries, schools, and bookstores. But they also have donation boxes all over the country for individual donors.

You can find their nearest book donation drop-off location here.

3. Goodwill

Just like Salvation Army, Goodwill accepts a wide range of used goods donations including books. All donations are sold at their thrift stores which operate nationwide. The money collected is then used to fund Goodwill’s various charitable programs. Most of Goodwill’s thrift stores are also located in poor neighborhoods so your books will most likely end up enriching the minds of underprivileged readers.

You can find their nearest book donation drop-off location here.

4. Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)

If you’re a veteran or want to help veterans around the country, you can also donate your books to the VVA. This organization has been advocating for causes and issues that are important to veterans from the Vietnam war up to the present. It offers various programs and services specifically aimed towards veterans.

Aside from cash donations, the VVA accepts gently used items like books and clothes. You can find their nearest book donation drop-off location here.

5. Open Books

Through literacy programs and book grants, Open Books helps underprivileged people enhance their knowledge and skills through high-quality books and engaging mentors.

They accept both children’s and adult books as long as they are still in good condition and are recently published. But they may decline encyclopedias, magazines, and older textbooks.

Open Books is based in the Chicago area and has drop-off locations all around the city. You can find the nearest one here.

6. New Legacy Books

If you’re in New Jersey, chances are you’ve passed by a New Legacy Books drop-off bin. They collect used books and sell them to individuals who can give them a new home with the proceeds donated to local charities. While those books that are deemed too damaged to be of any use are recycled properly so they don’t end up in landfills.

Note, however, that this charity only accepts books with ISBN barcodes on the cover. They also don’t accept magazines, encyclopedias, and water-damaged books.

You can find a list of their drop-off locations here.

7. Local Charities

Aside from the charities mentioned above, many local organizations also accept book donations. You can try asking at your local homeless shelter, soup kitchen, school, or community center if they are in need of books. Aside from helping the local community, you also won’t have to drive far just to drop off your donation.

Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida Online

About The Author

Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.

March 18 2022

Helping vs. Enabling: Which One Are You Doing?

Content Team Helping the Poor

Published March 18, 2022

Have you ever helped someone and ended up getting accused as an enabler? Believe me, you’re not the only one. The line separating these two is so thin that oftentimes it can be hard to distinguish whether you are helping or enabling.

The instinct to help others is part of human nature. When our loved ones are sick or in trouble, the first thing we usually think of is how to help them.

Unfortunately, no matter how good our intentions are, there are times when helping someone is actually not helping them. Sometimes we just wake up and realize that our actions are doing the exact opposite of our intentions.

So where do you draw the line? How do you make sure that you don’t become an enabler? The first and most important step would be to know the difference between enabling and helping.

Helping vs. Enabling: What’s the Difference?

In the dictionary, helping is defined as making it easier for someone to do something by offering one’s services or resources. While enabling is giving someone the means to do something.

Based on these definitions, we can see that the main difference between helping and enabling comes down to assisting vs. allowing someone to do something.

In other words, helping is doing something for someone that would benefit them or improve their situation. While enabling is letting someone do what they want without fear of consequences.

This is why the last thing you’d want to do is to enable someone, especially if they have a history of bad habits and troublesome behavior. It makes them think that their actions are acceptable even if they aren’t. As a consequence, it prevents them from taking responsibility for themselves and their actions.

So if you really care for someone, you need to make sure that you are helping and not enabling them.

Signs That You Are an Enabler

As I’ve said, there’s a thin line separating helping and enabling. Often, the person doing the enabling doesn’t even realize that they’re doing it.

If you want to know whether you’re helping or enabling, here are some signs that you are doing the latter:

1. You ignore or tolerate bad behavior.

Part of helping someone is understanding them. Anyone going through a tough time is bound to do foolish things. This sometimes leads us to ignore the red flags even if they’re right in front of us. We tolerate their wrongdoings thinking that it’s just because they’re in a bad place.

But what most of us fail to realize is that giving them a free pass to bad behavior is actually enabling them. It makes them think that what they’re doing is okay and may even encourage them to do something worse.

A good example of this is turning a blind eye to a partner or family member who’s abusing alcohol or doing drugs. Instead of confronting them, you just shrug your shoulders and let it go.

2. Making excuses for someone.

Nobody wants their loved ones to get into trouble. That’s why when we think their actions can lead to bad consequences, it’s but natural to want to protect them. We don’t want them to get hurt or worse, get upset at us. As such, most people tend to cover or make excuses for their loved one’s actions.

Unfortunately, this only encourages them to continue what they’re doing since they know someone will always stand up for them. And, as you probably know, it won’t do them any good.

3. You refuse to acknowledge the problem.

Admitting that your loved one has a behavioral problem isn’t easy. That’s why many of us just deny that there’s a problem. It’s easier to ignore a problem than to confront it head-on.

But acknowledging that someone has a behavioral problem is the first step to getting them out of that dark path. When you stop denying the issue, it allows you to look for ways to address it.

4. You do things for them that they are perfectly capable of doing themselves.

There’s no harm in helping someone do something. But if they are perfectly capable of doing it, then that’s enabling.

Letting people do things on their own teaches them about responsibility and how to stand on their own. But if you’re always there to do things for them, you’re robbing them of the opportunity to grow up and do things most adults do.

For instance, if your child refuses to get a job or clean their own room, it might be tempting to just help them out. But doing so won’t encourage them to man up and do something with their life.

Where to Draw the Line

All these talks about helping vs. enabling shouldn’t discourage you from helping others. Making a difference in someone’s life is one of the best feelings in the world. And unless you’ve truly helped someone, you’ll never really understand the kind of happiness it gives.

However, you should know where to draw the line. If you’ve been helping someone for a long time and they still haven’t made an effort to help themselves, then maybe it’s time to reconsider things. Or if they’re in a worse place now than they were before, then it might be high time to draw that proverbial line. They might get upset at you now but, down the road, they’ll thank you for it.

Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida Online

About The Author

Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.

February 24 2022

11 Top Places to Donate Men’s Suits in the US

Content Team Helping the Poor

Published February 24, 2022

Job interviews, weddings, and formal gatherings typically require men to wear suits. But while suits might be a prominent fixture in your wardrobe, they can be pretty expensive for some people.

According to this article, good-quality men’s suits cost around $500 to $800. But if you’re struggling to even put food on the table, you surely won’t be able to afford such an expense.

This is one of the major reasons why homeless and underprivileged people often have a hard time getting a job that pays a living wage. Even if they have the skills and qualifications, they can’t show up to a job interview with a threadbare shirt. That’s why for them, a business suit can sometimes be a lifeline.

So if you have plenty of business suits you want to get rid of, better donate them to the people who need them. Here are the top places to donate men’s suits in the US:

1. Career Gear

Founded in 1998, Career Gear aims to provide interview-appropriate clothing to men entering or reentering the workforce. They serve people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds.

Aside from secondhand suits, Career Gear also supports mentoring, peer support groups, financial planning seminars, and time management classes.

They accept both new and gently-used interview-appropriate clothes as well as:

computer bags
notepads
briefcases
cufflinks
collar stays
business and office supplies

As of this writing, only their Greater Houston office is operational. So if you live in Houston, you can drop off your donation at their office in the old Sharpstown Mall. Make sure to schedule your drop-off in advance by sending them an email or through their website.

2. Salvation Army

Salvation Army is the go-to organization for most people wanting to get rid of old clothes. And yes, they accept slightly-used men’s suits too.

Donated clothes are sold in their thrift stores. The money raised from this is then used to fund their Adult Rehabilitation Centers and various charity programs.

They have drop-off locations all over the country. So wherever you might live, there’s a good chance that there’s a Salvation Army drop-off station near you.

3. Vietnam Veterans of America

Our war veterans make up a major percentage of the country’s homeless population. In fact, recent statistics suggest that 8% of all sheltered homeless adults are veterans.

Aside from homelessness, many veterans are also struggling with unemployment. This is why the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) was created. They aim to help uniformed officers get back on their feet through various advocacies, outreach programs, and veteran services.

The charity accepts both cash and in-kind donations including used clothes. You can drop off your donation in various locations around the country or schedule a pick-up through their website.

4. Hire Heroes USA

Just like VVA, Hire Heroes USA helps military veterans find jobs by providing them the support they need to start a career. This includes personalized coaching and mentoring, resume writing, and whatever else they need to thrive in the civilian workforce.

The charity also partners with various companies and corporations to encourage them to hire veterans.

Aside from cash, they also accept interview-appropriate clothes for both men and women. You can drop off or mail your donations to their head office in Alpharetta, Georgia.

5. Green Drop

If you don’t have time to drop off your donation or the drop-off location is far from your home, just call Green Drop and they’ll take care of it for you.

Green Drop is a nonprofit that converts lightly used clothing and household items into cash to support various charitable organizations. They’ve converted abandoned gasoline stations and convenience stores into drop-off locations.

While most organizations in this list only accept slightly used clothes, Green Drop welcomes all kinds of clothing donations. Depending on their condition, your donations are either sold to thrift stores, sent to third-world countries, or recycled.

They do both pick-up and drop-off. Just make sure to pack your donations securely. They’ll also give you a receipt of your donation which you can use for tax deduction purposes.

As of this writing, they have already partnered with organizations like:

American Red Cross
Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation
National Federation of the Blind
St. Vincent de Paul

You can choose which charity you want your donation to go to by putting the charity name on it or informing the attendant (for drop-offs).

6. Project Smile

Project Smile is a nonprofit based in Massachusetts. Through their Suits and Smiles program, they provide business attires to low-income men so they can get better jobs and achieve financial independence.

The organization works with various social service agencies to identify men who are in great need of a job interview or work attire. They cater to men of all ages, ethnicity, and backgrounds. This includes veterans, recovering addicts, and disabled individuals.

Donation drop-offs are by appointment only. So make sure you call or email them before bringing your donations to their office.

7. Homeless Shelters

Yes, some homeless shelters accept business clothing donations too. Besides giving them a temporary place to stay, some homeless shelters also help their residents find employment. This includes providing them with clothes they can wear to interviews.

Not all homeless shelters accept clothing donations though. So call your local homeless shelter beforehand to determine if they accept clothing donations.

8. Organizations Helping Former Felons

It’s not a secret that former felons usually have a hard time finding a job. But having access to work-appropriate clothes will surely enhance their chances of getting hired.

So if you’re planning to donate men’s suits, consider giving them to organizations that help former felons. One organization JailstoJobs.org has a list of charities that provide professional attire to those in need. You can donate directly to those organizations. Or you can check out charities like:

9. Soup Kitchens

Soup kitchens primarily provide home-cooked meals to anyone in need in an environment free from judgment and discrimination.

But some soup kitchens like Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen also provide clothes and business attire. These are especially useful for guests who are down on their luck but are trying to put their life back together.

Inquire at your local soup kitchen to see if they’re accepting clothing donations. Or if you’re from South Florida, you can drop off your donations at our soup kitchen in Pompano Beach.

10. Places of Worship

Churches, temples, mosques, and synagogues usually conduct donation drives for the local community. You can ask your local place of worship if they accept men’s suit donations and their donation process.

11. Local Charities

Many local charities accept used clothing donations. These are usually distributed to families and individuals in need within the community. So if you want your work clothes to benefit a neighbor or a local family, these charities are your best bet.

Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida Online

About The Author

Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.

January 27 2022

7 US Charities That Help Single Mothers

Content Team Helping the Poor

Published January 28, 2022

Being a mother is hard and being a single mother is even harder. Aside from having to take care of the kids, you also have to worry about putting food on the table. It’s no wonder then that many single mothers are struggling.

In fact, single-parent families are among the poorest in the country. Statistics suggest that single mothers and their children make up a large part of the rural homeless population. More than a quarter of single mothers are also jobless the entire year with a median income of only $48,098.

Fortunately, a lot of charities and organizations are now stepping up to help single mothers get back on their feet. If you’re a single parent in need of a helping hand, here are some US-based charities that help single mothers:

1. Mercy Housing

Charity focus: transitional housing, domestic violence prevention workshops, career mapping seminars

With regional offices around the US, Mercy Housing is one of the organizations leading the fight against homelessness. And women, including single mothers, make up more than 60% of their transitional housing’s adult residents.

The charity employs a holistic approach to ending homelessness. That’s why, aside from housing help, they also have various programs aimed at empowering the homeless so they can turn their lives around.

Learn more about their work here.

2. Feeding America

Charity focus: foods and other basic necessities

If you’re in the US, you’ve probably heard of Feeding America at least once. They’re one of the most visible charitable organizations that help low-income families get access to food and other basic necessities.

As of this writing, the Feeding America network already has over 200 food banks and more than 60,000 food pantries all across the country.

It’s unclear how many single mothers benefit from these food banks. But it’s undeniable that they’ve been a huge help for parents who are struggling to put food on the table.

Learn more about their work here.

3. Parents Without Partners

Charity focus: support group for single parents and their children

Being a single parent is undoubtedly hard. That’s why support groups like Parents Without Partners are a huge help. They provide more than just a venue for single parents to share their experiences and learn from each other. Their biggest help is providing hope to single parents that they’re not alone in this journey.

Learn more about their work here.

A single mother who received assistance from charities that help single mothers.

4. Helping Hands for Single Moms

Charity focus: financial and educational assistance, support groups, counseling

Operating in Dallas and Phoenix, this charity’s main mission is to help single mothers attain financial independence. To achieve this, they help single moms who are enrolled in college with:

unrestricted scholarship money
emergency funds
professional counseling
single moms support group
dental, medical, and eye care help
vehicle repair help
legal counsel
budget management advice

Learn more about their work here.

5. Salvation Army

Charity focus: financial help for bills, rent, and essential needs, housing assistance

Almost everyone is familiar with Salvation Army’s thrift stores. But not a lot of people know about their programs for low-income single moms.

The programs can vary per location. Some places give out clothing vouchers and money for rent and groceries. While others have transitional living centers for homeless single mothers and their children. Most Salvation Army locations also offer skills training and self-improvement programs to help single moms get a job or look for a better one.

Learn more about their work here.

6. National Coalition for the Homeless

Charity focus: raising awareness about homelessness, providing resources for homeless families

Unlike most charities on this list, the National Coalition for the Homeless doesn’t provide direct help for single moms. But they are leading the charge in raising awareness about homelessness. Some of their research and studies were instrumental in crafting better policies to address homelessness. They also provide homeless people with resources on where to get help.

Learn more about their work here.

7. Catholic Charities

Charity focus: housing assistance, food and nutrition programs, immigration and refugee services, mental and physical healthcare

As the name suggests, Catholic Charities is a network of Catholic organizations that help those in need.

Since they’re located all around the US, their programs vary depending on the needs of the community. Some charities offer emergency shelters while others provide affordable permanent housing. Many single-parent families have also benefited from their food assistance programs and immigration support services.

Learn more about their work here.

Raising a family on your own undoubtedly takes a lot of courage and a will of steel. But that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Sometimes, it’s okay to ask for help.

Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida Online

About The Author

Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.

December 19 2021

Here’s Where to Donate Baby Clothes in the US

SEO Team Helping the Poor

Published Dec 19, 2021

As a parent, you’ll understand how fast babies outgrow their clothes. That baby sweater you buy today will be too small in a month’s time. Unfortunately, not all parents are capable of buying their babies new clothes every month. In poor communities, parents usually rely on baby clothing donations to clothe their little ones.

So if you have plenty of baby clothes just lying around in your closet, it’s time to give them a new purpose. Those bodysuits and sleepers might already be too small for your baby. But I’m sure a lot of parents will be more than happy to have their babies wear it.

But before packing them off, make sure they’re still wearable. Meaning, they don’t have any large stains or holes in them. After all, you don’t want those poor babies wearing clothes that are clearly destined for the trash.

So where should you donate used baby clothes? Obviously, you want to make sure that your donation really goes to the people who need them. To help you out, we’ve compiled this list of local and national charities where you can donate baby clothes:

1. Goodwill

Known mostly for their thrift stores all over the US, Goodwill accepts in-kind donations of almost anything. From basic necessities like food and clothing to electronics and even vehicles – you can donate them all at Goodwill. And yes, that includes baby clothes – from newborn swaddles to toddler shirts and shoes. They also have drop-off stations in virtually every city around the country.

Learn more about how you can donate baby clothes to Goodwill here.

2. The Salvation Army

Like Goodwill, Salvation Army also accepts almost all items of clothing. Aside from clothes, they also accept toys and books. Your donations are either sold in thrift stores or distributed to children in need not just in the US but also in over 130 countries around the globe. They also have multiple clothing banks spread around the country. So wherever you are, chances are there’s a Salvation Army drop-off location near you.

Learn more about donating infant clothes to Salvation Army here.

3. Vietnam Veterans of America

If you don’t have the time to drive all the way to a donation drop-off center, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) can pick up your donation. You can schedule a pick-up and they’ll get it right off your door within 24 hours.

But unlike most of the places on this list, VVA does not directly distribute your donated goods to those in need. Instead, they sell your donations to the highest bidder. The proceeds are then used to fund the organization’s support programs for war veterans.

Learn more about how to donate baby clothes to Vietnam Veterans of America here.

4. Baby2Baby

As its name suggests, Baby2Baby focuses on the needs of children across the country. For the past decade, they have distributed essentials to children in homeless shelters, foster care, and domestic violence programs. They also help kids who are victims of natural calamities like the recent wildfires in California.

They are headquartered in Los Angeles but they have a wide network of charity organizations where you can also drop off your donations. Aside from toys and clothing, they also accept donations of new diapers, wipes, formula, and hygiene items.

Learn more about donating used baby clothes to Baby2Baby here.

5. American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is known for being one of the first responders during emergency situations. But what many people don’t know is that aside from cash donations, they also accept gently used clothing items. Like VVA, they also offer pick-up of donations right from your door. All collected items will be sold to thrift stores and the proceeds are used to fund their emergency response programs.

Learn more about donating baby clothes to the American Red Cross here.

6. Uniqlo

Not a lot of people know this but Uniqlo has a recycling program for used Uniqlo clothes, including infant wear. If you’re a loyal Uniqlo shopper or have brought baby clothes from their store in the past, you can drop off your donations right at their store.

Nearly every Uniqlo store has a recycling box. But if they don’t, you can just approach the staff and they’ll take it from you. Take note that they only accept donations that are clean and still wearable.

Learn more about how you can donate items to Uniqlo here.

7. Cradles to Crayons

Rated 96.46 in Charity Navigator, Cradles to Crayons distribute children’s essentials like diapers, hygiene products, and clothing to families who can’t afford them. For now, they only operate in Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia. If you are from these areas, you can donate to them any gently used children’s clothing for newborns through age 12. They also accept other items like shoes, books, and toys.

Learn more about their donation process here.

8. Soup Kitchens

Soup kitchens are where the homeless and destitute get a hot meal free from judgment and discrimination. But aside from a meal, some soup kitchens also give out used clothing donated to them. If you want your old baby clothes to benefit your local community, you can donate them to a soup kitchen near you. Babies from homeless and underprivileged families can certainly make use of clothing donations, especially during winter.

Every soup kitchen tends to have a different donation process. So coordinate with the local soup kitchen in your area to find out how you can donate baby clothes to them.

9. Homeless Shelters

As you know, homeless shelters do not just cater to adults. Most of the time, they also take in entire families including the babies. So some used baby clothes will be a big help.

Though for safety and sanitary reasons, not all homeless shelters accept clothing donations. Some only accept new ones. So if you’re planning to donate baby clothes, coordinate with them first.

10. Places of Worship

Churches, temples, and most places of worship periodically run charity events. At these events, they usually collect food and clothing donations. If your local place of worship doesn’t hold a charity drive, you can ask your worship leader to organize one. Or if you’re not affiliated with any religion, you can ask friends and family if they know of any local religious center that accepts used baby clothes.

Keep in mind that these places may not accept donations that are considered inappropriate with their beliefs. So before packing your donations, make sure to remove those that may have religious iconographies or anything that might be offensive to other religions.

Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida Online

About The Author

Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.

December 13 2021

10 Places to Donate Toys to Children in Need

SEO Team Helping the Poor

Published Dec 13, 2021

According to child psychologists, toys play a big role in the development of a child. It helps develop not just their motor and cognitive skills but also their social and emotional intelligence.

Unfortunately, not all children have access to toys. While some kids have drawers full of toys, there are some who’d never played with a store-bought toy their whole life.

So rather than chucking your children’s old toys in the trash, find a place where you can donate them. Your children may not find these toys amusing anymore but there are kids who’d be more than happy to play with them.

If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a quick guide on how and where to donate toys to children in need.

Where to Donate Toys

Finding a place to donate your children’s old toys isn’t that hard. There are a lot of places that accept and are in great need of toy donations. These includes:

1. Hospitals

When thinking about donating toys, you probably didn’t consider giving them to a hospital. But some hospitals conduct toy donation drives for the sick children in their care. We all know how stressful hospital confinement can be and it’s even more so for children. Having something to play with can help take their mind off their predicament.

But if you’re donating to a hospital, remember that these places usually have very strict hygiene protocols. They may not accept a used toy or if they do, it must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

2. Children’s Homes

Children’s homes often have limited budgets. So they usually rely on donations for the children’s basic needs like clothing and toys. Coordinate with the local children’s home in your area and ask what type of toys they’re accepting.

If you can, bring something for the older children too. They often get bypassed in favor of the younger ones since most of the toy donations they receive are for toddlers.

3. Local and National Charities

Charitable institutions like Salvation Army and Goodwill accept toy donations too. They sell it in their thrift stores and the proceeds will be used to fund their various charitable programs. But if you want to make sure that a child in need benefits directly from your donation, there are also many local charities that accept toy donations.

4. Homeless Shelters

According to statistics, nearly 1 in 5 homeless people in America are children. And many of them stay in homeless shelters. As you can imagine, most children in these shelters don’t have enough clothes and much fewer toys to play with. As such, your donation will surely be appreciated.

5. Daycare Centers

With lots of children to care for, daycare centers are always in need of new toys. If you don’t use a daycare service yourself, you can ask other mothers in the neighborhood. Or you can check online for daycare centers near you and ask if they accept toy donations.

Remember that the kids in these centers are really young – mostly toddlers. So make sure that the toys you donate are appropriate for that age range.

6. Places of Worship

Most religious centers accept in-kind donations, including toys, for their members in need. You can ask your place of worship if they accept toy donations. Or if you’re not affiliated with any religion, you can also ask friends and family if their place of worship could use some old toys. Many religious centers also regularly conduct donation drives where you can drop off in-kind donations like toys.

Just remember that some types of toys may not be acceptable or appropriate in some religions. So it’s better to call them beforehand before dropping off your donation.

7. Fire Departments

Firemen don’t just put out fires. They also help comfort distressed and injured children at the scene and toys are a big help. That’s why fire departments often accept toy donations from the public. The San Francisco Fire Department even has a long-standing toy donation program where they distribute the toys they’ve collected to unfortunate children all year round.

Contact your local fire department to see if they’re accepting toy donations and where you can send or drop your donation off.

8. Local Social Services

The Social Services Department assists many families in need. They can point you to which families can use those toys you’re donating. Some local councils also accept donations for their play area and toy libraries. Contact your local social services to know where you bring your donations and what type of toys they need.

9. Neighbors in Need

If you have neighbors who can’t afford toys for their kids, then why go far? Donate the toys to them instead. You can invite your neighbor’s kids or drive over to their house. It will not only foster good neighborly relations but is also a great opportunity for your kids to make new friends.

10. Recycling Programs

If your kid’s old toys are in great need of repair, no organization will probably accept it. And you shouldn’t donate broken toys either. But rather than throwing them in the trash where they’ll just end up in landfills, donate them to recycling programs instead. Get in touch with your local recycling service if they accept toys. If not, there are also organizations that accept old toys and clothes and recycle or upcycle them.

How to Donate Toys to Children in Need

Now that you know where to donate toys to unfortunate children, let’s talk about the do’s and don’ts when donating toys.

1. Consider their toy needs.

Children of different ages and genders prefer different sets of toys. So when you’re donating toys, it’s always a good idea to coordinate first with the organization you’re donating to. Ask them what kind of toys they need and the ages of their beneficiaries. If your donation isn’t age or gender-appropriate, it won’t probably be of much use.

2. Donate only toys that are still useful.

If you’re donating used toys, make sure that they’re still usable. Don’t donate toys that are already chipped, covered in rust, or have stopped functioning years ago. Remember that you’re donating toys so some children can play with them too. Just imagine the disappointment on their faces when they learn that the new toy they have is broken. If you don’t want to see that look on your kids’ faces, then surely other parents feel the same too.

3. Separate the toys by age and gender.

This isn’t really a must but it’s a good practice. It reduces the workload for the people who will distribute it to the children.

Remember that at the end of the day, it’s not just about giving out toys. It’s about giving hope to children who can only dream of having such toys. You never know whose life you’re changing with those donations. So keep them coming.

Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida Online

About The Author

Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.

November 29 2021

100 Ways to Help Others Even If You’re Not Rich

SEO Team Helping the Poor

Published Nov 28, 2021

When we talk of helping others, the first thing we usually think of is giving them material things or making cash donations. But there are a lot of ways to help others that don’t involve spending money.

Helping people isn’t just for those with millions in their bank accounts. Each and every one of us has something that we can offer to others. Be it your time, your knowledge, or your ability to crack some really good jokes – all of these can go a long way in making people’s lives a lot less hard. Just imagine how different the world would be if all of us strive to help one another.

If you’re wondering how you can serve others in your own little way, here are 100 ways to help others even if you’re not rich:

Donate old clothes and shoes.
Be a patient listener.
Donate blood.
Volunteer at a local homeless shelter or soup kitchen.
Compliment someone to increase their self-worth.
Spread positivity.
Be on time.
Congratulate someone when they did something courageous.
Pick up trash in public areas even if it’s not yours.
Teach children to be kind to everyone.
Share your knowledge and expertise.
Believe that there’s goodness in everyone.
Keep your word.
Buy local and support small businesses.
Volunteer at the pound or animal shelter.
Park your car properly. Make sure it won’t cause traffic or impede pedestrian movement.
Respect everyone’s beliefs.
Understand instead of passing judgment.
Let others cut in front of you in traffic.
Thank the people who rarely get gratitude like the service workers, housekeeping staff, and the security personnel.
Avoid single-use plastics or styrofoam as much as possible.
Clean up your mess to lessen the cleaning staff’s work.
Help someone put together a resume to find a job.
Talk to the people that nobody bothers to talk to like the cleaning staff, the grocery bagger, etc.
Let the person with an armful of groceries go in front of you in line.
Help an elderly or disabled neighbor with yard work.
Give directions to someone who is lost.
Return your own or other people’s grocery cart so the store staff won’t have to.
Give away extra fruits and vegetables you harvested from your garden.
Say only kind words, especially on the internet.
Offer your bus or subway seat to a pregnant woman or the elderly.
Share your food with someone who can’t afford a meal.
Give restaurant coupons and vouchers to poor and homeless people.
Give away seedlings and cuttings from your yard.
Lend a hand to someone in a wheelchair.
Donate books you have already read to a public library, an orphanage, or any local charity.
Make new neighbors feel welcome.
Use your social media to give voice to the voiceless.
Comfort someone who just lost a loved one.
Encourage someone who’s just been through a big disappointment.
Organize a garage sale and donate the proceeds to charity.
Bring food to a sick friend.
Smile. You never know whose day you brighten with your smile.
Visit a nursing home and talk to residents who don’t get visits from family and friends.
Give the coupons you’re not going to use to people who need them the most.
Offer to run errands for your elderly or disabled neighbors.
Practice proper waste segregation.
Offer to babysit kids for a single parent who’s struggling with work and childcare.
Hold the door for someone else.
Send an encouraging note to someone you know who’s having a difficult time.
Give your used but still functional luggage to foster kids. They often don’t have anything to pack their clothes in when moving from one foster home to another.
If you can, help someone who is trying to reach something high on a shelf in the grocery store.

young man hand holding the old human hands

Donate old coats and blankets to local shelters.
If you’re going to a grocery store or pharmacy, check with the neighbors if they need something to pick up too.
Collect stuffed animals from family and friends and send them to the children’s ward at your local hospital.
Collect used baby clothes from people you know and donate them to a women’s shelter.
Teach your children the importance of giving back.
Give credit to where credit is due.
Help stray animals find their forever home.
Never make fun of someone else’s misfortune.
Donate your kid’s old bikes to children who have to walk to school.
Practice compassion. Put yourself in other people’s shoes.
Talk to people who are having a hard time socializing.
Forgive the people who have wronged you even before they asked for it.
Be polite to everyone.
Leave a newspaper or magazine you’ve read in a coffee house or the bus stop so someone can read it after you.
Don’t badmouth someone, even your enemies.
Ask for forgiveness from someone you’ve hurt.
Conserve water and energy so other people can make use of it too.
Stick up for someone who you know has been treated wrongly.
Help a pregnant woman pick up items from the floor.
Tell someone the truth even if they may not like it.
Encourage your kids to do small acts of kindness towards other people.
Be someone’s exercise buddy to encourage them to lose weight.
Take time to write a great review whenever you like the food or have received great service.
Give out simple care packages to people you see on the street.
Help someone struggling to carry their grocery bags.
Plant a tree.
Donate your old glasses to organizations helping visually impaired people.
Campaign for a cause you believe in.
Help a coworker who’s struggling to get all their tasks done in time for the deadline.
Make friends with someone new to the company.
Invite a new neighbor over for dinner or barbecue to introduce them to the community.
Invite a neighbor or coworker who’s alone for the holidays.
Cook large portions of food and share some with your neighbors who are struggling.
Build a mini public library in your yard and invite other people to come read the books or donate their used books.
Do chores for a family member who could use some extra free time.
Offer a ride to your neighbor who doesn’t have a car or whose car has broken down.
Provide roadside assistance like changing a tire or calling a towing service.
Help someone achieve a goal – as long as it won’t hurt someone.
Lend your tools and equipment to a neighbor who needs them.
Donate your old laptop to students who can’t afford one.
Share inspiring quotes and stories on your social media accounts.
Give others the opportunity to express their thoughts and ideas.
Let a friend crash on your couch while they’re looking for a new apartment.
Bake some cookies and leave them in the break room at work.
Befriend people who are considered outcasts in society.
Promote your friend’s business.
Stay calm even when people are being rude to you.
Live a kind of life that will inspire others.

Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida Online

About The Author

Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.

November 15 2021

12 Places to Donate Old Eyeglasses in the US

SEO Team Helping the Poor, Most Popular

Published Nov 15, 2021

You may take your eyeglasses for granted, but many visually-impaired people are forced to live without them.

According to the World Health Organization, there are over 2 billion people around the world who need eyeglasses but don’t have access to them. That’s about a quarter of the world’s population. At this scale, it’s one of the biggest health crises you’ve never heard of.

For some people, a pair of eyeglasses is more than just a tool to see better. It can also be their lifeline. A woman who does crafts may lose her livelihood if she can’t see clearly. While a visually-impaired student who can’t afford to buy glasses may end up quitting school altogether.

So if you have a pair of old but still functional eyeglasses lying around in your closet, don’t throw them away. Donate them instead. You’ll never know whose life you’ll change with those.

Aside from helping people, you’ll also be doing mother earth a favor. They won’t end up in landfills and those plastic rims won’t add up to the pollution in our environment.

You can donate eyeglasses to help the poor and homeless through our christian charity online. Visit our homepage to find our online donation form.

Where to Donate Old Eyeglasses

If you’re planning to donate old eyeglasses, here are the places you can check out:

1. Lions Club International (LCI)

LCI is a worldwide community of volunteers engaged in various charitable activities. They also have eyeglass recycling centers in various locations around the world. Seven of them are in the US. Their volunteers collect old but still usable donated glasses and ship them to the nearest eyeglass recycling centers. There they are cleaned and carefully packaged before being sent to eyeglass-dispensing missions.

They accept both sunglasses and reading glasses. Just drop your donation at any Lions or Leos Club collection point near you.