Deodorant, soap, shampoo: these items are never affordable to kids but much appreciated.
Asking business travelers to save hotel soaps and shampoos cuts our costs.
Food
Peanut butter crackers, granola bars, snack packs are all easy foods for kids to eat on the street. We try to get non-perishable foods.
Company food drives will help us buy less food.
Fast Food coupons
These are easy for us to distribute and easy for kids to use to get a hot meal.
We could use about $50 in fast food coupons a month.
Bus passes
An example of when a kid needs a bus pass is when he/she needs to go to a clinic.
Phone Cards in small denomination
Kids may need to call their family members or a clinic.
Clothes and blankets
Kids on the street outgrow and wear out clothes just like all kids. They may even do it quicker since they wear the same things day in and day out.
Socks, underwear, rain gear, warm jackets, and gloves are hot items amongst the kids.
Blankets are hot ticket items in the winter.
Socks are like gold so the more the merrier.
Back Packs
Kids on the streets live off of backpacks. If we can give them food, drink, and clothes in a pack they can keep, it is easier for them to take it back to their “safe place”. It also gives them a sense of owning something.
We are looking to do backpack drives at schools as well as to get donations.
Backpacks are about $20 a piece.
Cash Contributions
We do not have paid staff or an office, but still buy about half the food we deliver to kids on the streets.
All money donations will go to buying food or clothing items for the kids.
Volunteers
Because we’re an all-volunteer organization, we always need more volunteers to help carry out our mission. Besides our needs for outreach counselors, we also need volunteers to serve on the leadership team.
We do require our volunteers to go through background check and attend training before they can be out on the street.
Storage facility
We will be collecting clothes and food for the kids. We need an area that is accessible to all the volunteers. Monthly storage costs $65.
Shelves for storage facility
Need about 4 freestanding shelves for storage unit to organize food and clothing.
Total cost is approximately $150.
Cell Phone
We have a need for a cell phone so that kids have a chance to call home
Cost would not exceed more than $50 month
A Van
We need a dedicated vehicle to conduct Street Outreach. The kids need to recognize the van and know that it represents safety.
As a group we distribute food and clothes to kids on a regular basis and having one vehicle that can carry the volunteers and supplies is key.
The loan for a van is approximately $350 a month.
Gas, Insurance, and Maintenance
We need a credit card or the monies to operate the van which would be a minimum of $250 per month.
A sponsor for Social Events
Part of the process to help kids adjust is the many social functions that we hold for them; picnics, pizza parties, ball games, movies, etc.
