GREEN BAY (NBC26) - As we roll into the Season of Giving, many people consider giving back to area charities. If you’re looking to donate, we talked with the local Salvation Army about the top three things to consider for this year.
The first thing on that list is donating items like your basic winter gear. Nan Pahl, the director of social services, said they greatly appreciate all donations. They’re currently looking for coats, as well as mittens, hats and scarves. But one of the biggest items they need, you may not think of off the top of your head.
“People who come for showers, don’t have winter boots, so if we can at least outfit them with those heavy wigwam warm type socks, it helps keep their feet warm when they’re out all night long,” Pahl said.
While most items can be gently used, socks are one of the exceptions that they prefer to be new. But she adds, it's not only new socks they need, but items as simple as a tube of chapstick.
"Things to keep your face or lips safe when you’re out in the elements,” Pahl said. “We've had some people come in and ask about that, and I don't have any yet."
The second thing to consider is how you can donate your time, like volunteering to work at the thrift store. You can even donate your time by signing up to be a bell ringer! With red kettle season around the corner, stands will be going up next week, with the season officially kicking off November 11th.
That brings us to our last point. The third thing to consider this season when donating is money, as Pahl said, any little bit helps.
While The Salvation Army is helping people stay warm with items, if you or someone you know needs help putting a roof over their heads this winter, check out the list below from Shannon Wienandt, the director for House of Hope Green Bay.
No Wrong Door agencies can answer questions and refer people to the housing priority list and other resources as needed:
- House of Hope Green Bay: 920-884-6740 (can call 24/7)
- New Community Shelter: 920-437-3766
- Golden House: 920-435-0100
- St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter: 920-436-9344
- Family Services: 920-436-4360 or 1 (800) 998-9609
- Newcap: 1-800-242-7334
If you’re a community member looking to help out, Wienandt adds, people can help in many ways:
- Volunteering at nonprofit organizations to provide help with the following:
- HR
- IT
- Finance
- Fundraising
- Cleaning/Janitorial
- Yard Work
- Maintenance
- Strategic Planning
- Networking
- Marketing
- Childcare
- Food preparation
- Classes/Programming
- Tutoring
- Transportation
- Donating funds for operational support
- Helping your neighbors and family members who are at risk of homelessness
