Charitable Giving Guidelines

 SPRINGFIELD - Whether it’s the holiday season, the end of another tax cycle or just awareness that need is greater in this economy; more people are looking for an opportunity to make a charitable contribution at this time of year. In order to maximize the impact of your gift, it is wise to consult with the charity of your choice to ensure that your generosity is well placed. Every organization is unique in its ability to process, store and coordinate donations.

Friends of the Homeless, Inc. offers guidelines for donating to our shelters and dining room.
- Cash is always cool! (and by that we also accept checks and credit through Paypal) Currency allows the agency to use its knowledge to dedicate the donation where it is needed most.
- Clothing contributions can be tricky. While clothing is needed regularly, our shelter does not have the capacity to wash, sort and store used clothing. There are organizations which specialize in this and we refer our clients to them. What we can always use is new underwear of all sizes (men prefer boxers these days) and white tube socks.
- Unopened toiletries, especially shampoo, disposable razors and feminine hygiene products are always in demand.
- We provide towels, sheets and blankets but wash cloths are appreciated.
- Serving three meals a day, seven days a week to at least 100 people per meal, consumes a lot of food. Unfortunately, our refrigeration and storage is limited. If you’d like to cook a meal or donate the fixings for a meal, our kitchen manager can help make the arrangements. Canned goods, particularly in commercial sizes or large quantities help us efficiently prepare meals. Staples like oatmeal, coffee and condiments are always needed and extras like plastic wrap and large size foil help us stretch our storage.

For more specifics about our wish list, please call us at 732-3069 or log on to our website, fohspringfield.org. Charitable acts are appreciated and donors tells us it makes them feel good, benefiting them as much as our clients. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
And from the clients and staff at Friends of Homeless, Inc. we wish you and your families, a joyous holiday season.