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Ready to Begin With Basics?

Host a Donation Drive for Homeless Women

DURATION

More than 4 hours

WHERE

You choose the place in your community: in your neighborhood, at your school, at a local business or place of worship.

WHEN

On The Rise collects in-kind donations all year long.

However, different seasons require different needs. Hosting a donation drive to collect a more specific need for the women of On The Rise is extremely helpful and appreciated! 

With summer approaching, items like sunscreen, bug spray, chapstick, etc. are all highly coveted! 

WHOSE HELP IS REQUIRED

Class, troop, or other group of like-minded kids (some adult involvement may be required to help with planning and drop off of collected items).

HOW IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

A warm shower. Sunscreen in the summer. A new toothbrush. Chapstick in the winter. We often don't realize how these little things can impact our days, but people living on the streets and in shelters deeply appreciate access to such items which typically aren't so easy for them to come by. By collecting toiletries that can be used by On The Rise in our work with homeless women, you will be making some of these daily comforts available to women during their time of need.

DESCRIPTION

Everyday items like shampoo, masks, toiletries, and clothes can be hard to access when you are homeless. By hosting a donation drive to collect everyday essentials, you can make life a little easier for homeless women in Cambridge.

ITEMS NEEDED

1. Paper, along with a computer/printer or markers, to make flyers

(Electronic flyers are great too, as is social media when it comes to getting the word out.)

2. Large plastic bins and/or cardboard boxes to collect toiletry items

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Anyone of any age can help collect toiletries to help the women of On The Rise!

NEXT STEPS

Decide when and where you will do your drive and follow the instructions provided. For more information on current needs or to schedule a time to drop off your donations, contact Maddie Porter, Development & Engagement Associate, or call at (617) 497-7968 ex: 36. 

See VIEW INSTRUCTIONS below for more details!

WEBSITE


Sound like fun?VIEW INSTRUCTIONS▼ to get started.
Sending or dropping off items to a nonprofit? Don't forget to tell them you found them through PGK! Download and print a packing slip here.

1. Identify the items you plan to collect. Please consider collecting the following (see list below). Please note that we request you specifically collect travel size items where possible. You can also check our list of needed items here.

    • Travel sized lotion and creams for body and hands
    • Travel sized deodorant
    • Regular sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
    • Razors
    • Sleeping bags
    • Travel bags/backpacks
    • Floss
    • Chapstick
    • Cleansing wipes
    • Travel sized hand sanitizer
    • Disposable masks
    • New bras and underwear
    • Tissues

2. Make signs and flyers letting people know you are collecting toiletries for homeless women in Cambridge. Indicate how long you are running your collection (we recommend at least two weeks) and where items should be dropped off.

3. Put the signs wherever you are allowed to do so and where lots of people are likely to see them. Electronic flyers (sent via email) and social media can be other great ways to spread the word!

4. Tell your families and friends about it, and ask for their help in both getting the word out and collecting the donated items that come in. (We recommend checking and cleaning out your donation boxes at least once if you will be collecting items for more than one week.)

5. Collect your donation bins and boxes at the end of the collection period.

6. Drop off your donations (with a parent/adult's help, as needed) at On The Rise, 341 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139.

7. Be sure to let us know that you found this activity through PGK.

8. Kindly fill out this PGK impact form when you’ve completed the activity.