I am making information booklets on what people can be do to help the homeless. I wanted reddit's two cents on what I should add/remove to the shopping list section.

**Throwaway account to remain anonymous.

I'm working on creating booklets to distribute around my neighborhood grocery stores, churches, and public buildings. And because I have influence in my community, I want to use it to make a difference in at least one person's life. I have spoken to several shelters in my area for information on how anyone can ease the burden of homelessness, even if it's just a little comfort. Despite this, I figure it wouldn't hurt to ask folks online and see what they are short of, especially during warmer months.

Here is my list so far.

FOOD
- Boxed baking mixes (preferably complete/add water only)
- Pasta and cereals (Whole grain is in high demand due to being nutritious)
- Spices and seasonings
- Sauces and condiments (ex: Soy sauce, salad dressing, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, maple syrup)
- Cooking supplies (can openers, water bottles)
- Canned meats
- Flour
- Fruit juices
- Sugar/sweeteners
- Honey
- Coffee
- Peanut Butter and Jelly (I heard they’re always out of crunchy peanut butter)
- Cooking oil
- Cooking spray
- Vinegar
- Shelf stable dairy products (ex: powdered milk or condensed milk)
- Baby formula and food
- Applesauce
- Sliced bread
- Snack foods (ex: cereal bars, popcorn bags)
- Shelf stable meal kits (ex: mac and cheese, ramen noodles)
- Pet food (currently, the safest brands are purina and hills science diet. But get whatever you can manage.)

⭐️EXTRA: Call your charity of choice in advance and ask if they accept frozen/fresh foods. All banks work differently, and demand varies by season.

Due to food safety and allergy concerns, dented cans, expired food, and donations with broken/damaged packaging cannot be accepted. Be cautious of anything stored in glass jars for this reason.

If possible, consider donating foods for people with conditions such as diabetes/allergies/sensitivities.

TOILETRIES
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Soap or Body Wash
- Razors
- Deodorant/antipersperant
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste (toothpaste must have fluoride to actually fight cavities)
- Mouthwash
- Dental floss
- Dry shampoo
- Hand sanitizer
- Insect repellent
- Diapers/baby clothes
- Baby wipes
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Sanitary pads and tampons

⭐️EXTRA: Consider donating unscented/sensitive formula products for those with allergies and medical conditions.

CLEANING SUPPLIES
- Laundry Detergent
- Bleach
- Multi-surface cleaners
- Dish soap with sponges
- Empty spray bottles (for refilling with cleaners)
- Toilet cleaner with brush
- Brooms with dustpans
- Mops with buckets

⭐️EXTRA LOVE: Pests won’t enter a home if food is properly stored. If accepted at your charity of choice, consider donating airtight storage containers for food to prevent an infestation.

GENERAL
- Gently used toys and games
- School supplies (ex: pencils with sharpeners, notebooks, backpacks, crayons)
- Phone chargers
- Clothes
- Unused socks and underwear
- Shoes
- Sewing kits
- Gift cards
- Suitcases
- Power banks
- Refurbished electronics (ex: laptops or cellphones)
- Pet supplies (ex: leashes or cat litter)