DONATION IDEAS
Not sure what kinds of items to donate? Keep in mind the following when collecting or providing donations:
Should
- Be ‘single-serving’ size. (Many veterans are single.)
- Be something you would enjoy eating. (Those who require the donations shouldn’t have to eat anything less that what you would find acceptable.)
Should not
- Depend on a microwave. (eg. microwave popcorn.)
- Be close to the expiry date.
- Be easily damaged (eg. bags of potato chips.)
Source: Library and Archives Canada
Food
Most needed items
- Salmon, Misc canned fish, Oysters, Sardines, Niblets corn, Mixed veggies, Peas, Creamed corn, Peanut butter, Jam, Honey, Large ham, Small turkey, Small ham, Small chicken, Large chicken, Pie filling, Cranberries, Apple juice, Assorted juice, Pears, Peaches, Mandarin oranges, Fruit cocktail, Applesauce, Tomatoes, Hamburger Helper, Popcorn, Canned milk, Cake mix, Jello pudding, Jello, Pancake mix, Syrup, Ketchup, Mustard, Relish, Cooking oil, Spices, Granola bars, Coffee, Tea, Hot chocolate, Soda crackers, Snack crackers, Cookies
Other items
- Boxed spaghetti, Beans, Tomatoes, Cello spaghetti, Bagged pasta, Boxed pasta, Chef Boyardee, Stew, Alphahetti, Pork & beans, Chili, Mixed beans, Pasta sauce jars, Pasta sauce cans, Tomato soup, Chicken soup, Vegetable soup, Mushroom soup, Misc. soup, Ichiban, Cereal, Instant cereal, Rice, Instant rice, Instant potatoes, Stove Top, Pudding cups, Misc condiments.
Toiletries
Most needed items
- Body wash, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Cleaning supplies, Toilet paper, Shampoo, Conditioner, Razors, Shaving cream, Body lotion, Kleenex
Other items
- Dish soap, Storage bags, Paper towel, Bar soap
Pet food
A number of veterans have four-legged companions that help provide comfort and support.
- Dog food (small bags / tins)
- Cat food (small bags / tins)
Gift cards
- We get a lot of questions about donations of grocery store gift cards. Unfortunately, gift cards are easy to lose when we drop off the donations, so we prefer not to have to handle them.