From toiletries to transit fares, here’s what to donate that will have the greatest impact
Most women and children arrive at a shelter with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. So, naturally, there are many things these families need right away. Donated items help them get adjusted in the shelter system — and launch them when they’re ready to start their new lives.
“As living costs rise, essential daily items are always needed and the impact is felt instantly,” says Khadija Kathy Ali, the Coordinator of Engagement & Volunteers at Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter. “Monetary donations are also needed to keep the doors open and to provide programs and services, from counselling to onsite food banks and donations areas.”
In 2023, Toronto and Peel Region were among 30 municipal and regional governments in Ontario to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic and women’s shelters often play a vital part in helping those escaping violence find safety, have their needs met and get their lives back.
“Shelters save the lives of women, children, youth and individuals who are fleeing violence and abuse. They can transform their lives after violence,” says Ali.
Keep in mind that women’s shelters have confidential addresses and high security to keep those they serve safe, so you can’t just drop off these useful items like you would at a food bank. It’s best to check the organization’s policy to make sure they can accommodate what you have to offer and to call ahead to arrange a drop-off time.
What to donate
From non-perishable food to toiletries to gift cards, in-kind contributions make a big difference in the lives of individuals and families entering women’s shelters. Cash donations and the following most-needed items make the largest impact.
- Laundry detergent: Any type is good, but it’s especially helpful to give scent-free or sensitive formulas for people who can’t handle strong smells or have easily irritated skin.
- Toiletries: Toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, soap and combs are always in short supply, but donations beyond the essentials are appreciated, too. Who doesn’t want to take a moment for some self-care, whether it’s applying a mask or hair treatment? You might not think of donating makeup, but it’s especially helpful for women to have on hand for meetings, job interviews and court appearances.
- Period care kits: Of course, these are always in demand. It doesn’t matter whether you choose pads, panty liners, tampons or new silicone cups — all are welcome, including thoughtful self-care items like heating pads, pain relivers and eye masks.
- Diapers and baby formula: With so many young children in-house, formula and diapers are never turned away. Nighttime diapers are often harder to come by, so be sure to include some if you can.
- Gift cards: Gift cards to grocery stores, malls or clothing stores are particularly helpful for families leaving the shelter system and heading out on their own.
- Housewares: Starting over is always overwhelming, but getting a head-start on provisioning a new home really helps. Cutlery sets, toasters, kettles, coffeemakers, towels and sheet sets all go into care packages to support families setting up house. You can opt for new, but shelters often take used items if they’re in excellent condition.
- Transit fares: From meetings with lawyers to job interviews to scouting out affordable housing, public transit costs can add up fast. Tokens, tickets, day passes and pre-loaded transit cards help women get to and from appointments.
- School/office supplies: Shelter staff try to keep life as normal as possible for the children they house and offer school enrollment throughout their stays. The usual back-to-school gear, including backpacks, pencil crayons, binders and notebooks, are welcome any time of year. Similarly, office supplies like laptops or tablets, stationery, briefcases, planners and workspace organization come in handy for moms.
- Food: Just like food banks, shelters can always use shelf-stable, nutritious proteins, such as canned tuna, beans and peanut butter.
- Money: Shelters always need monetary donations to keep the many programs and services they run continuing. For example, some women’s shelters throw a birthday party for a child at the shelter or a baby shower for a mom who is expecting a baby and residing at the shelter. Monetary donations also contribute towards services like legal and housing programs and 24/7 crisis lines.
What to maybe skip
In a perfect world, gently used baby accessories such as cribs, car seats and high chairs would be accepted, but because of liability issues and ever-changing safety regulations, it’s not worth the risk to donate these. (However, new baby gear, including baby monitors, is always thankfully received.) There are sometimes exceptions for used strollers, so if you have one in good condition, call your local shelter to find out if they will accept it.
Clothes, new toys or stuffies are great, but shelters are wary of accepting used ones because of the risk of bedbugs. And most shelters are already well-stocked when it comes to books, so donate yours to that cute lending library box on your street.
If you’re experiencing violence or abuse, there is help out there. The Assaulted Women’s Helpline offers a free, anonymous and confidential 24-hour telephone and TTY crisis telephone line to all women in Ontario who have experienced any form of abuse. The National Domestic Violence Hotline and Ending Violence Association of Canada also provide support and contact information for services across the country. You can also call 211, which can connect you with a variety of support services across Canada, from emergency assistance to counselling and daycare — help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in 100 different languages.