by Ann Herren, November 2018

There are a lot of options to give back to your community without leaving your home, and here in New Orleans, we have organizations that could really use what you have.

There are so many worthy ways; you can take the kids to various organizations to serve food, pack boxes, and more.

Sometimes, the easiest ways for young kids to ‘get it’ is for it to be right in front of them. In addition, giving from your home is a way any family, no matter their circumstance, can help others.

So, this year we decided to talk about ways you can give back – in a meaningful way – without leaving your house. Well, until it’s all in your car. And it doesn’t hurt that you don’t need to wash your hair or get dressed to do it!

Den:

Or wherever your books are to be found. Give the gift that keeps on giving – a good book.
Be sure to: Flip through the book so nothing personal is left within the pages – bills, letters, receipts. Drop them off around town at Little Free Library locations.
Don’t: Give any book that is so worn out it needs to be permanently retired.

Closets:

Gather clothes according to age, sex and season. If you have professional work clothes – Dress for Success would love them. Gently worn clothes can be donated to the Salvation Army, Goodwill, and countless shelters around New Orleans.
Be sure to: Wash and fold the clothes.
Don’t: Donate ‘trashed’ clothes. If it’s too stained, torn, or worn out for you to wear, then toss it. Dignity has no income.

Bathroom:

Ok, don’t freak out, but this room has a lot to offer. So many shelters need items such as tampons, shampoo, deodorant, razors, etc. Have you ever felt so dirty that after a nice, hot shower you literally said, “Now I feel human again”? Exactly. Grace House and Covenant House are two places to consider.
Be sure to: Hunt down those hotel samples that you came home with but never used.
Don’t: Give any products that’s been opened, or worse, partially used. That’s just gross.

Garage:

Bikes! Yes, kids outgrow them, and other kids need them. Think skates razor scooters, pogo sticks and sports equipment. Call your city’s recreation and parks department.
Be sure to: Check that everything still works, tires are full, chains are greased, and balls inflated.
Don’t: Of course, give anything that is broken or could be dangerous (no helmets with cracks).

Pantry:

There are those canned goods that – seriously – you’ll never eat. Or maybe the weirdly shaped pastas, perhaps an excess of jam. Make a game of gathering what you don’t want and have your little ones pick out the stuff they love as well. Donate both to Second Harvest Food Bank.
Be sure to: Check the expiration dates!
Don’t: Give food that is past the use-by date or perishable.

Playroom:

Kids love toys – and we bet there are plenty to go around. In our house, we always made sure our daughter didn’t open a new toy or game she received that she already had (trust me, they’ll want to!). We put it in a stack to donate. Drop them off to Angel Trees over the holidays or local shelters.
Be sure to: Give complete games, no missing cards, or best – give unopened games.
Don’t: Give games or toys with tiny parts or choking hazards. Make sure there are no missing pieces, tears, or stains.
Pro-tip: Our rule of thumb – for every gift you receive, you need to give something up!