HELPING THOSE IN NEED

We've had multiple seasons of tight finances over the years and it's been neat to see the ways our needs have been met during those times.  Sometimes people have known of a specific need and met it, other times people having given us seemingly random things or done things without knowing it's exactly what we needed at the time.  Sometimes people have given us things directly, other times they've given anonymously (which, by the way, is a super fun way to give).

I know many of you want to help those in need, but you don't have any personal experience with struggling to make ends meet and can't think of anything other than cash gifts to ease the burden of those who need a little help.  Others want to help and don't have any cash to spare, but you may have stockpiles of toiletries and household goods you've accumulated with couponing. Many simply haven't thought of all the little things you use over the course of a day that a family or individual who's short on cash may be giving up in order to pay the bills.  So, with far more experience on the receiving end of things than I'd have ever chosen to have, I feel pretty qualified to share some ideas.

I've actually had this list sitting around as a draft for over a year, but have been hesitant to post it.  Why? Because I don't want it to seem like a manipulative wish list.  So let me just tell you that it's not.  These are just some basic items that we haven't been able to afford at one point or another, almost all of which we've had the personal experience of receiving from others. Most are needs, at least in the sense that they are basic, practical items.  A few things are the fluff of life, things we've been given just because someone wanted to bless us with something frivolous. All have met a need, whether physical or emotional.

So, without further ado, here are some suggestions of things that may be helpful to those who are in need of financial help.  This list is certainly not exhaustive, not everyone will need or want everything on the list, and I'm sure I'll think of more things as soon as I hit "publish", but it's a start and hopefully it will give you some ideas of how to help people in your life whose expenses are exceeding their income.

KITCHEN
foil
saran wrap
ziploc bags
napkins
toothpicks
food (they may have an adequate supply from gardening, livestock, and/or food stamps)
dishsoap and/or dishwasher detergent

BATHROOM
shampoo/conditioner
soap/body wash
lotion
toothpaste
dental floss
tampons
pads/liners
razors
q-tips
toilet paper

MEDICATIONS (make sure they're age appropriate)
pain relievers
allergy relief

GENERAL HOUSEHOLD
laundry detergent
cleaning supplies (baking soda and vinegar or store-bought cleaners, whichever they prefer)
vacuum bags (if their vacuum requires one)
light bulbs
batteries
firewood (for those who use a wood stove or fireplace for heat)

KIDS
diapers
wipes
clothing (seasonal and regular)
shoes
infant/toddler gear (bottles, lidded cups, silverware, bibs, carseats, etc., especially for kids moving from infancy to toddlerhood)

ADULTS
clothing (seasonal and regular)
shoes

GIFT CARDS
gas stations
stores that sell household items, clothing, toiletries or other things that might be needed
places where they can get their hair cut
restaurants or other places they can go to do something fun with their family

MISCELLANEOUS
postage stamps
cash for bills
cash or gift cards for buying birthday gifts
cash or gift cards for buying Christmas gifts
pay for their children's activities (church, school, community, etc.)
pay for their activities (dinner with friends, church functions, books for clubs/studies, etc.)
pay some of their rent, electric bill, water bill, or any other monthly bill
help financially or practically with house repairs
help financially or practically with car repairs and/or maintenance


Typing up this list was fun because it reminded me of so many times we've been blessed by the generosity of others. One of the most memorable times, simply because it was an uncommon way to be helped, was the time the property management office of the apartment we lived in mailed us an invoice for our account, something that wasn't their standard procedure.  A deposit that we had not made was circled and a note written next to it that said something like, "We're just letting you know your fairy godmother put some money toward your rent".  Someone had contacted the property management, given them our name and address, then credited our account with some money ... and done it anonymously.  How cool is that?!

We've also been able to be on the giving end of these things many times.  That's always a fun place to be, but I think there's an extra layer of fun when you know what a relief it is to have a need met that you weren't sure how to take care of.

Anything you've given that's not on this list?  Have you ever received something practical and obvious that I forgot? Maybe something creative that most people wouldn't think of, but that was a big help?  Do you have a story of a time when your needs were met by someone else's generosity?

UPDATE: Here are some ideas friends gave when I linked this post on Facebook.

* I know you don't have pets, but we do, obviously, haha ... but when someone's budget has become spontaneously long term tight, it can help to have someone give them things for pets.  Like Condroiton from Sam's ... or may be a vet gift card.  Because we all love our dog, but we're not going to put dog needs/pet needs above people needs and that is a horrible feeling.

* This year the kids have had a couple of big projects at school that required us to get supplies from a craft store.  Maybe a gift card for school expenses that come up unexpectedly?