So, we can’t travel to see family and shopping in a crowded mall is ill-advised.
So how should we handle the need to give, receive and spread love during the holidays? At SOPHE we have adopted a women’s shelter in Washington, DC – the N Street Village.
N Street Village is taking a “Back to Basics” approach so that items can go out to the clients as they come in. For the holiday season, they are focusing on cleaning supplies. This helps to foster a clean environment, something that they always encourage, especially in today’s atmosphere. It also will supplement needs for clients with benefits as cleaning supplies are not supported.
Also needed are personal hygiene products for women. These can be quite costly and are the least thought of when donating to a shelter.
Some of the items requested are brand new bedding, towels, washcloths and unopened makeup. Their top donation needs (many of which can be purchased from our Amazon Wish List) are:
- Incontinence products (i.e. adult underwear)
- Disinfectant wipes
- Travel-sized toothpaste
- Travel-sized body wash
- Travel-sized deodorant
- Disinfectant spray
- Towels – New
- Bath Towels – New
- Twin-size sheets
- Latex/non-Latex gloves
Personal items like hairbrushes, combs, hair clips, etc. and personal feminine hygiene products especially tampons are in great demand.
SOPHE staff are making these personal donations and dropping them off the week before Christmas. You can help also. When you Shop à Support SOPHE via Amazon Smile
SOPHE also made a financial contribution to the Capital Area Food Bank.
They have provided additional support to families in need during the pandemic and are in need of donations. This is another way you can “feel good” during the holidays.
Several staff have also adopted children’s coat drives, toy drives and blankets for the homeless. Your shopping can be done on line with delivery at home, work or on location.
This will give you a great feeling inside, while you are giving a little comfort to someone who is in need. So yes, there is still Christmas in the pandemic when you take the focus off of yourself and focus your attention on someone in need. We did!
