Opportunities From: United Way of Dane County

Want to help those in need by donating items or hosting a donation drive? Maybe you love to shop and bargain hunt but want to shop for someone else? Well we need your help! Our essentials pantry is having a supply and demand issue: demand is increasing and our supply can't keep up! Help us provide free essential items like personal hygiene products, toiletries, underwear and socks, cleaning/home goods, phone chargers and more - see below for our most-needed items:

PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS - TOP PRIORITY!
Menstrual products (tampons preferred), deodorant, dental hygiene (toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash), shaving and grooming supplies (razors, shaving cream, tweezers, nail clippers), body wash, facial cleanser

TOILETRIES
Both travel and regular size, bath and body products, skincare, haircare 

PACKS OF UNDERWEAR
UNOPENED, UNUSED underwear, men and women’s, variety of sizes and styles for all genders and body types. Preferences: Men’s = boxer briefs, preferred women’s = anything with medium coverage, both in dark or neutral colors (not white)

HOME ESSENTIALS
Laundry detergent, cleaning spray, dish soap, sponges, wipes, garbage bags, toilet paper etc.

HEALTH & WELLNESS
First aid supplies (band-aids, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic spray), chapstick, tissues, cotton swabs, OTC meds for fever, heartburn, nausea etc., condoms

 

OTHER KINDS OF IMPORTANT ITEMS: 

TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT - Bus passes, Uber/Lyft gift cards, bike locks PHONE CHARGERS - USB-C, Micro USB and Apple lightning cables, wall plug-ins LUGGAGE & STORAGE - Tote bags, wallets, backpacks, duffle bags (we don't have room for huge suitcases, but definitely need more reuseable shopping bags and tote bags!, We also need packaging materials to make supply kits, like small zip bags and sandwich bags) PET FOOD & SUPPLIES - Cat and dog UNOPENED wet or dry food, cat litter OUTDOORS & SURVIVAL GEAR - Rain ponchos, water bottles, bug spray, umbrellas, flashlights, AA or AAA batteries, socks

 

If you want to go the quick and easy route, click here's to order from our amazon wishlist. We are always happy to receive substitutes and encourage community members to support local, small businesses and purchase environmentally-friendly, ethically-made products as much as possible. Supplies can be dropped off Wednesday afternoons during our pantry hours, or anytime during business hours (just drop them off at the front desk!)