Calhoun County, AL – Per the Calhoun County Democrats, “We are making a list and checking it twice! Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmas is almost here! And so is the Calhoun County Democrat’s 6th Annual ‘Christmas Shoebox Appeal’ for the Homeless'”
We know that GREAT gifts for the homeless population include water resistant BACKPACKS. Having no place to ‘store’ items, the homeless usually carry their possessions with them, often in plastic bags. Backpacks would be a huge improvement!
As you make your purchases, keep in mind that Interfaith Ministries provide the homeless population an opportunity for a hot shower 2 days each week, and t-shirts and underwear – large and x-large – are in high demand. Please DO NOT wrap them. Bring them to HQ unwrapped 🙂
Food/snack items high on the list are items with ‘pop-top’ lids, such as:
Vienna sausages; soups, ravioli, or pasta; canned chili; assorted fruit in a cup; any meal in a can with a Pop-Top! Snacks include chewy granola bars (chewy seem to work best because they are less likely to crumble); cheese crackers or peanut butter crackers; Fruit rollups or fruit snacks; Protein bars; beef jerky, Slim Jims, etc.; small packs of tuna and crackers, deviled ham, etc.; dried fruit/raisins ; peanuts/trail mix; fruit cups/pudding cups (the kind that do not require refrigeration!); small bottled water or juice; and a plastic spoon or fork. Please make sure that none of the items require refrigeration, as it can be several days before the bags are distributed.
Personal care items are also useful and appreciated: socks (black or white, adult size); mini-pack of tissues; toothbrush; toothpaste; bar of soap; washcloth and/or hand towel; deodorant; comb; small packs of hand/body wipes; Band-aids; Lip balm/Chapstick; hand warmers; feminine care products (don’t pack these in the bags, just leave them separate)
Sadly, the homeless include children. Their needs are much like that of adults – consider including a toy, game, puzzle or doll, etc – that they can easily carry from place to place. Nothing that takes much space.
SHOP – And enjoy the smile it puts on your face and the joy it brings to your heart. Bring your gifts for the 6th Annual CalCoDem ‘Shoebox’ Christmas project to HQ, 812 Noble Street, corner of Noble and Hwy 202, from 10:00 am til 4:00 pm on:
- Wednesday, December 14th
- Thursday December 15th at 6:00 pm
- If those days don’t work for you – let us know and we’ll try to make other arrangements.
- Email calcodem2019@gmail.com
- Text 256-225-3096
- Text 256-310-0955
“There is no uniform for the homeless. Their plumage is the same as yours.”
