How to Give This Holiday: Non Food Items That Food Banks Need

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MyCareGivingStory #CollectiveBias

Christmas is very special to our family. We are the ones that have our tree up before Thanksgiving. Kids already have lists mailed off to Santa. My family loves Christmas. 

But Christmas is about more than trees and Santa Claus! This is the time of year when we all want to give back. It is on our mind and giving spirits are strong. Giving is a big deal to my wife and she shares that with our family in a big way. Over the years Heather has shared ways on this blog that you can give back during the holidays in fun and unique ways. I decided that this year it was my turn.

I have a new idea and challenge for you this holiday season. Have you considered giving non food items to food banks?

Did you know that local food banks need more than just food? I really had not thought about it until I called our local food pantry and clothing ministry, Churches United in Caring. Turns out they need much more than just food. And the need is even more this time of year.

When I called our local food bank, I noted what they need and decided to make a point to get as many of those things as I possibly could. I want to include the kids as well. This is a great way to help others!

List of Non Food Items Needed:

• Poise® Liners – Light Absorbency
• Poise® Pads – Maximum Absorbency
• Depend® Fit-Flex® Underwear for Women
• Depend® Fit-Flex® Underwear for Men
• toothbrushes
• toothpaste
• soap
• lotion
• shampoo
• Baby Diapers
• Feminine hygiene products
• Socks

With that list it was time to go shopping. Our go to shopping destination is Sam’s Club. I knew our club would be perfect for checking off the things on our list. We love Sam’s Club Family Caregiving Program, a one-stop destination for all of your caregiving needs, including prescription refills, personal care products, and free health screenings. We picked up some Depend® Fit-Flex® Underwear. Now more flexible to move with you. Featuring all-around leg elastics and a smooth, close-to-body fit, this slip-on style s specifically designed for both comfort and protection. They also have Poise® Pads – Maximum Absorbency and Poise® Liners – Light Absorbency that are perfect for donating. They both have new packaging at Sam’s Club that shows just how much you save by shopping at Sam’s Club! When you download the Digimarc Discovery app, you can scan anywhere on the Depend packaging, and it will drive you to the Sam’s Club Caregiver website. Check it out!

We picked up as many things on the list as we could and headed to our local organization, Churches United in Caring.

Don’t forget to add as many items from the list as you can! 

We took all our goodies to our local food pantry and they were so appreciative!

In summary, here are some tips to help you donate more this year.

How to donate this Holiday:

1. Do some research and find your local organizations.
2. Call your local food banks/pantries.
3. Ask each one what they need the most this holiday season.
4. Make a list.
5. Go shopping at Sam’s Club for all your donations.
6. Involve your kids in the shopping and delivering of the products.
7. Donate your products to one location or split them up between several.

If you would like here is a printable list non food items that food pantries need that you can print and take shopping with you.

Be sure to involve the family and remember it is all about giving back this holiday season. No matter what the age, everyone needs some extra love this time of year.For more information on caregiving visit Sam’s Club Caregiving.

How are you giving back this holiday season? Please share in the comments!