Tell Me More About How I Can Help

Our mission for November & December 2014 is to help the Maryland School for the Blind.

You can learn more about our efforts in our last post, “Let’s Give Back this Holiday Season to The Maryland School for the Blind,” or keep reading to learn the ways in which you can help. Our teams are collecting all types of used clothing items, as well as non-perishable food items.

Donate Clothes

We will be collecting used clothing of all sizes.  Since the school has students from elementary age all the way to age 21 the size categories vary from children to adults.  There are also many students who actually stay on the campus at the Maryland school from Monday-Friday so there’s a need for pajamas as well.  So please sort through your closets and pull out those clothes you are no longer wearing, or any clothes that your children may have grown out of.

Don’t have kids?  No worries!

Perhaps you have nieces, nephews, grandchildren, etc.  Place a call to their Mom or Dad and ask them to pull together a bag or a box of outgrown clothing, shoes, etc.  Please remember that winter is right around the corner so there is also a need for coats, hats, and mittens/ gloves.   The school has a store within its campus and some of the clothing items may be placed in the store. This store provides an opportunity for the students and/ or parents to come in and purchase clothing items for $.50 or $1,00 but gives them the opportunity to choose for themselves, as well as providing an opportunity for students to have a place to work and learn.

Food Donations

There is also an extreme need for food items, especially since the holidays are right around the corner.  So please check your cabinets for any items you will not be using, or the next time you are at the store perhaps grab a few extra items to give to those who are in need.  If you are looking for suggestions for types of food here are a couple of suggestions:

• Canned fish & meat (especially cold water fish)
• Fruits & Vegetables (canned)
• Canned soups, beans, legumes
• Peanut butter
• Whole nuts and/or seeds
• Whole grains (i.e. brown rice, whole wheat pasta, rolled oats)
• Spices
• Other great items (olive oil, tea, chocolate, fruit juice)

Please consider budget-friendly & nutritious foods as these make the biggest impact.  November is a month geared towards giving thanks, and we are hoping to take a truckload full of items to hand deliver to the Maryland School of the Blind, and give the students, families, and staff, a truckload full of things to be thankful for.