I am really looking forward to our service project for September. We will be collecting and donating items for a wonderful organization called The Gathering Place, a women and children's shelter. I just spoke with one of the employees who expressed how bare “Betsy’s Cupboard” is right now (perhaps because of our lagging economy). They have a program called “Fill-A-Bag” where you can donate items to Betsy’s Cupboard. (See list of items at end of post.)
On Wednesday, September 30, we will meet at my home at 3 pm and carpool to the shelter to drop off the items and take a small tour. (They are not open on weekends.) Or if you don't have time to come with us, you can simply drop off any donations to me before that time.
Here is some info about The Gathering Place:
TGP Mission Statement
The mission of The Gathering Place is to support women and their children experiencing homelessness or poverty by providing a safe daytime refuge and resources for self-sufficiency.
TGP Philosophy
We believe that women and children experiencing homelessness and poverty deserve a safe and caring place to re-establish their lives. We believe that every woman, no matter what her circumstances, is worthy of respect and is a valuable human being just as she is. It is not our place to judge anyone; The Gathering Place exists to offer women a safe haven, resources for self-sufficiency and opportunities to acquire new skills. Women who are able to meet their immediate and urgent needs can then call upon their inner resources and make positive life changes for themselves and their children.
At The Gathering Place, women meet other women who share life experiences or similar circumstances and in each other’s company they share their stories, give each other advice, and offer friendship.
The focus of this organization is to empower women, friendship and care for them, and teach life skills to help them get back on their feet. Wonderful!
Following is a list of possible donation items. (Items with an *asterisk* are high demand items.)
Non-Perishable Food
According to the Colorado Health Foundation, two out of three Coloradoans will be obese by 2017 and suffer from obesity related diseases. The chances that you will experience obesity triple when you and your family make less than $25,000. In the effort to support the health of women and children at TGP, we prefer organic, low-sodium and low-fat items whenever possible.
Peanut Butter*
Soups & Stews
Coffee, Tea, Cider Packets, or Cocoa Packets
Brown Rice
Beans, canned or dry
Whole Wheat Pasta
Spaghetti Sauce
Milk, powdered or canned
Canned Albacore Tuna, Chicken Breast, or Salmon*
Canned Fruits in 100% Juice or in its own juice
Canned Vegetables
Make-a Meal-Tuna or Hamburger Helper
Frozen Entrée’s, Beans & Rice Combos
Snack Items (e.g. Tuna and Cracker Packs, Crackers, Nuts)
Granola Bars
Oatmeal or Other Whole Grain Hot Cereals
Whole Grain Cold Cereal with Dried Fruit
Mayonnaise
Mustard
100% Bottled Juice
Bottled Water
Vegetarian products
Microwavable items
Fresh veggies and fruits that do not have to be refrigerated (e.g. Apples, Oranges, Potatoes, Squash, Tomatoes, Onions, Carrots, Green Beans)
Personal Supplies
Deodorant*
Lotion*
Toothbrushes and toothpaste*
Tampons/Pads*
Shampoo and Conditioner*
Cosmetics
Razors *
Hair Care Products
Denture - Polygrip/Efferdent*
Cosmetics for all skin colors
Baby Items
Baby Powder, Lotion, Shampoo and Bath Wash*
Unexpired Baby Food
Diapers (Sizes 4, 5, 6 and Pull-Ups)*
Baby Formula
Baby Wipes*
Sippy Cups
Strollers*
Clothing
New Socks* and Underwear* for Women and Children
Other
Tylenol, Advil, Pepto-Bismol*
Tissues/Kleenex
Toilet paper*
King Soopers/ Safeway gift cards*
Can openers*
Computer Disks
Craft Store Certificates
RTD Bus Ticket Books*
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