People often ask “What kinds of things do the COTS children and their families need?”
We encourage our supporters to provide items our families need to see them through their time in emergency shelter or transitional housing as they plan and prepare for more independent living.
Our primary need is for gift cards and certificates. These are a huge help to families who have very low incomes and need to make every dollar count. Parents can use these for diapers and baby care items, clothes and shoes (because kids grow so fast), school supplies, and necessary items from grocery and drug stores. Cards for gasoline and car maintenance are worth their weight in gold, as are bus passes! Books for children of all ages are greatly appreciated.
Our families live in single rooms. We appreciate that our supporters want to help make our families–especially the kids–happy during various holidays, but we request limiting toys and games. This is because the families have too many essential items to load into their small rooms. Candy and other sweets can also be a problem for kids who are on medication, have behavioral challenges, and may have few opportunities to visit a dentist.
Our parents attend classes that teach them about healthy eating, the need to spend quality time with their children (which includes reading time), and the importance of attending school every day. Having donations that help us help the parents in these areas boosts the likelihood of their success.
Here’s a summary of what we can most use:
- Gift cards are wonderful always
- Gas Vouchers
- Taxi Vouchers
- Gently used rugs
- Full sheet sets
- Towels
- Dish towels
- A blender
- Movie tickets
- Larger women’s clothing
- Diapers size 5 and 6
- Pull ups 2t 3t 4t
- Baby girls clothes size 12 month – 6 years
- Swiffer floor cleaner
Please contact [email protected] if you’d like to help in this way. Many thanks!