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Photo by nailmaker via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
The "theme" of this week's PhiLAnthropist is giving back by donating goods. With so many organizations in LA in need of different items, it's hard to know where to go. The following is a brief list of some solid organizations that could use a few things. And even though they have not been specifically listed, many, if not all, of these organizations offer a variety of volunteer opportunities.
CLOTHING, HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, ETC.
The Union Rescue Mission downtown accepts donations of new and used clothing; business clothing for men and women are especially appreciated. These items go directly to the homeless and desperately poor individuals and families of Los Angeles. Other needed goods include baby items (cribs, strollers, high chairs, etc.), furniture and housewares. Any used clothing or other items need to be in excellent condition.
The Downtown Women's Center provides permanent supportive housing for homeless women on Skid Row. The Center is "committed to providing the resources homeless women need to reconnect with their sense of self". The Center strives to help women reclaim lost goals and move toward self-sufficiency. They have a detailed wish list of needed items (pdf) that includes art materials, books, office supplies (stamps, reams of paper), furniture, household items (flashlights, silverware) and new and used clothing (especially socks). Birthday gifts (new items only) are also greatly appreciated; so use this as an opportunity to re-gift without having to feel guilty. On a side note, the DWC's 30th Anniversary and Annual Fundraising Gala takes place Monday, September 22nd at The Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
MEND (Meet Each Need With Dignity) is a 99% volunteer driven organization dedicated to providing aid and services to the neediest children and families in the San Fernando Valley while "safeguarding dignity" and "promoting self reliance". Items needed include teen clothing, tooth brushes, job interview clothing, school uniforms and books.
CHILDREN'S BOOKS
Children's Hospital Los Angeles has developed the Literally Healing™ program in effort to help hospitalized children understand and cope with the issues they deal with day-to-day. The have built a library of over 800 titles prescribed by physicians, psychiatrists and social workers aimed at meeting the needs of each individual child. Their wish list (doc) includes Thomas the Train, Clifford and Spanish versions of Spot and Dora.
Reading to Kids (previously mentioned in PhiLAnthropist) accepts used books for the kids to read while they wait for the monthly reading clubs to begin. Email info@readingtokids.org for more information.
For a more extensive list of organizations accepting book donations, check out the one provided by the Literacy Network of Greater Los Angeles.
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Thank you, Emily! This is really helpful. I also wanted to mention that for donating books, a lot of LA Public Library branches have "Friends" chapters, and they accept book donations. Between my roommate and I we hauled a couple of hundred books to the patio of the Studio City library (they take donations Saturdays 10-2) and it was really easy and friendly and you get a receipt for taxes. They re-sell the books to raise money for the library. I'm going to take the kids' books I have to one of the places on the list you point us to. Thanks for the tips! Donating stuff has been a big part of my moving process this month.