Many things in life are best experienced together: peanut butter and jelly, car rides and Disney playlists, hot dogs and baseball games, just to name a few! One thing that’s better together that is often overlooked is volunteering and quality family time.
Getting to share time with one another while making an impact in your community builds memories, and instills values that will last a lifetime. We encourage families who are looking to share the virtue of service with their children to get involved this weekend.
With National Family Volunteer Day happening on November 20th, and Thanksgiving right around the corner, we have lined up some at-home, family-friendly opportunities for you and your loved ones to try out:
CCWTN, Urgent Need Outreach Donations
Catholic Charities runs an outreach operation where clients can receive clothing and hygiene products every week. They run on donations and currently have a few urgent needs such as new or used donations of men’s jeans, jackets or winter wear, along with hats, gloves, and scarves. They also have an incredibly urgent need for new, unused packs of men’s and women’s underwear.
Learn more about their needs here!
St. Vincent de Paul Food Mission, Care Kits
Pack care kits for the neighbors who come through the SVDP Food Mission– which is open daily and serves all patrons that pull up. Care Kits are full of hygiene and personal care items, and are distributed with a meal, too.
Click here for a list of what to include and information on drop off location.
Community Alliance for the Homeless, Housewarming Baskets for Newly Housed
For those who haven’t had a place to call home, moving into a spot is a major milestone—but many move in with very few belongings. CAFTH is collecting “Home Warming Baskets” — a laundry hamper filled with cleaning supplies and basic items to help them get started in their new home. Your help will provide support and encouragement to those who need it most. Thank you for your efforts to end homelessness in our community!
Suggested items to include in the bags can be found here!
Room in the Inn Memphis, Casserole Preparation
Room in the Inn Memphis is looking for people to prepare casseroles that can be warmed up, and served to their guests for breakfast or lunch. These can be dropped off on a one-time occurrence, or on a continual basis. The number of guests fluctuates so it is not necessary to plan on any particular amount of people to feed.
**A label listing all ingredients and the date prepared along with heating instructions is required**
See more here!
Dorothy Day House, Wish List Donations
Did you know that on #WishlistWednesday (or any day for that matter!) you can shop for DDH through your favorite retailer? Stay in the comfort of your home and purchase an item online to have it delivered directly to them at 1429 Poplar Ave.
See what they need here.
Room in the Inn, Cards for a Cause
You can lend a helping hand from home by making cards for guests staying with Room in the Inn! Feel free to make a “Welcome to RITI” card and be as creative as you’d like! You can also make a “get well” card for the guests on the Recuperative Care floor who are recovering from health issues, or an “encouragement” card for our guests on the Family Inn floor who are waiting to be placed into permanent housing. Cards can be dropped off or mailed directly to the Room in the Inn location.
Click here for more information.
Community Alliance for the Homeless, Personal Hygiene Kits
Community Alliance for the Homeless is collecting assembled care bags containing new or unopened (sample size) hygiene items to give to those experiencing homelessness. The care bags will be put into backpacks along with survival items such as socks, hats, and blankets; depending on the season. Backpacks are given to housing insecure individuals at shelters and during outreach visits.
Suggested items to include in the kits can be found here!
