I’ve been searching for my for my kids to connect with the idea of giving tzedakah. We took their tzedakah and went to the grocery store to pick food to donate to a local food bank.
Below is a list of different charities who are often looking for items to be donated. It’s always best to check with the specific charities, but this should be a good guide.
Food Pantry Donation List
- Dry or canned beans
- Peanut butter, or other nut butters
- Rolled oats
- Canned fruit in juice, not in light or heavy syrup
- Canned vegetables, with no or low-sodium
- Low-sodium soups
- Canned tuna in water
- Canned chicken
- Rice (brown is better)
- Unsalted Nuts
- Shelf stable milk and milk substitutes
- Whole grain pasta
- Low-sodium pasta sauce
- Canned stews
- Unsweetened apple sauce
- Whole grain, low-sugar cold cereals
- Baby formula
Animal Shelter Donation List
- Pet food (must be unopened and dropped off before expiration date)
- Cage scratchers for cats
- Dog beds
- Gentle leaders (medium and large sizes)
- Kongs (all sizes but especially the larger ones)
- Greenie’s Pill Pockets
- Newspapers
- Old blankets and towels
- Shredded office paper
- Clean plastic shopping bags
- Paper towel and toilet paper rolls
- Canned tuna in water
Children’s Hospital Donation List
- Arts and crafts kits for kids and teens
- Blankets (for all ages, including swaddle blankets)
- Bubbles
- Coloring books (for all ages), journals, sketch pads, and word searches
- Stickers
- Stress Balls
- Teething Rings
- Toy cars/trucks
- UNO cards
Woman’s Shelter Donation List
- Bras
- Underwear
- Socks
- Toiletries (deodorant, soap, shampoo, etc.)
- Pads and tampons
- Pajamas
- Diapers and wipes
- Cosmetics and nail polish – These items can help some women feel better about their appearance, especially for job interviews.