Overview/The Need:
In our region, nearly 40% of families struggle to afford their basic needs. Many families can’t stretch their budgets to afford the increasing costs of essential household and personal care items.
Building a DIY Supporting Our Neighbors Kit is a great way to provide essential items for families in need. We encourage you to get your friends and neighbors involved in building these kits!
- Supplies Needed:
- Sturdy container such as a cardboard box, plastic bin, or drawstring bag (one per kit).
- Items (Please include a minimum of five items per kit):
- Toilet paper
- Tissue
- Paper towel
- Laundry detergent
- Hand soap
- Bath/body soap
- Dish washing liquid
- Household cleaner
- Menstrual care products
Please note that one that one kit can range greatly in price depending on where the items are purchased, which items are selected and in what quantity. The average range in cost per kit is $10-$30.
How to Build Your Kit:
• Select your box/bin/bag and a minimum of five items from the supplies list to put in the kit.
• Collect or purchase the items. They must be new or unopened.
• Build a minimum of five kits.
Host a Drive:
Involve your friends, family and neighbors in your volunteer efforts! Instead of purchasing items alone, host a virtual or in-person item drive. Coordinate a time and place to have the items dropped off or one location where the online purchases should be shipped. Be sure to set a goal of how many kits you want to complete together.
Delivery Information:
Once you sign up by selecting RESPOND, we will share delivery information with you within a few days. All kits will go to local nonprofit agencies.
Share Your Progress:
Don’t forget to take pictures of your progress and final products before delivery! Share on social media with #UWVolunteer, #LiveUnited, and tag us with @UnitedWaySEM.
