A donor’s checklist for giving blankets and sandals

Giving blankets and sandals sounds simple, and it is. A little care makes the gift far more useful. This checklist is based on what our volunteers have learned from their drives.

Choose the right item for the season

Blankets are most useful in the cold months, sandals and umbrellas in summer, and dry clothes in the rains. A gift that arrives in the right season is worth far more.

Check the condition

• Wash and fold clothes and blankets.
• Do not give torn, stained or broken items.
• Check that sandals have good straps and soles.
• Keep sets together, such as a pair of sandals tied by the strap.

Think about sizes

Sandals that are too large or too small are soon thrown away. If you can, give a range of sizes and tell the volunteers what you have. For clothes, children’s sizes are always needed.

Call before you bring

A short phone call lets a volunteer meet you, tell you where to bring the items and plan the next drive. It also avoids the problem of too many items arriving on a day when nobody is there.

Hand over with respect

When items are given in person, a few words matter as much as the item. Bend down, look the person in the eye and hand over the gift with both hands. Never throw items into a crowd.

If you would like to sponsor a drive, tell us the number of blankets or pairs of sandals and the date. We will buy, sort and give, and send you a photograph.