Donation Ideas for Women’s Shelters, Homeless Shelters and Anyone in a Challenging Situation

As a survivor of a lifetime of domestic violence, I have always found comfort in giving back to others. Creating my charity Project Kristin Cares four years ago was a very big part of my healing process. Combining my business, charity and platform allows me to spread awareness and even give my customers the ability to give back just by supporting my brand.  Project Kristin Cares has allowed me to help survivors of domestic violence. Learn about my new initiative Shawls for Sharing HERE

If you’re looking for even more ideas on how to help those in need, here are 13 items to consider donating to a local women’s shelter or to give to anyone in need:

1. Bras and sports bras

2. Underwear

3. Socks

4. Toiletries (deodorant, soap, shampoo, pony tail holders, hair brushes, etc.)

5. Pads and tampons

6. Pajamas

7. Diapers and wipes

8. Cosmetics and nail polish – these items can help some women feel more confident for job interviews, or in general

9. Bus passes and gas cards

10. Pre-paid cell phones for emergency calls and job interview call backs

11. Travel size non-toxic soap for hand washing your hands, body and clothes on the go.

12. Coloring books, crayons, books and small toys to quietly entertain children

13. Journals for writing. Writing is so therapeutic all the time, let along during trying times of our lives. Shop Journals here.

Clearance sections of most stores are a great resource, too. You wouldn’t believe how often I find bras for $1 when I’m not looking for a specific size!

Looking for more ideas or inspiration?

I (Kristin Omdahl) am the best-selling author of 19 how-to craft books; TV personality; curator of gorgeous and thoughtful products for her Kristin Omdahl Brand; and producer of educational and inspirational videos. I am the founder of Project Kristin Cares and donate Be So Helpful Bag with a portion of the proceeds from every item sold monthly from my shop, including 100% of the proceeds of my newest book, Be So Caring. I understand that working together we can help fellow survivors of domestic violence. 2020 is the 16th anniversary of my business this year!

From humble beginnings learning to knit and crochet while pregnant with her son 18 years ago, I has been involved in nearly every aspect of the fiber industry.  I was the crochet expert on “Knitting Daily TV” for 10 seasons and now am a knitting expert on the PBS show, “Knit and Crochet Now”. I am also the host of an award winning and popular YouTube Channel where I teach knitting and crochet, interact with my audience with regular questions and answers, and so much more.

I host a livestream podcast Monday – Friday on my YouTube Channel called Create Share Inspire Podcast. You can join the audience LIVE and even ask me questions LIVE! I often do a show and tell or quick demo and I always interact with the live audience. It is a lot of fun!

You can browse through over 600 previously recorded episodes HERE: Create Share Inspire Podcast Playlist.

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel to get reminders when the next episode airs LIVE. I also created a private Facebook group called Create Share Inspire to allow my audience to continue the podcast party throughout the rest of the day. It is a wonderful and safe place to share your photos of finished projects in my knitting or crochet patterns or yarns, and to see what others are making, too. I would like to invite you to join this private group Create. Share. Inspire on Facebook where you can interact with me as well as many other members who have a love of knitting and crochet just like you!

Let us make time to create, share and inspire – today and every day! xoxo, Kristin Omdahl