When it comes to donations to charitable organizations, how do you know what and what not to give? CTV reached out to a number of local charities to see what’s on their wishlists this holiday season. Food and baby items “We love receiving baby formula. We even love receiving diapers,” says Moisson Montreal’s Matias Duque. “Those are products that we seldom get given to us because they’re very expensive, so it helps a lot.” The organization is the city’s largest food bank and distributes items to other, smaller banks. “Products for older adults as well are hard to come by,” he adds. Most fresh produce and products like milk, eggs and meat are received directly from producers. For individual donations, canned or shelf-stable items are best, but there are exceptions. “The most obvious thing would be food that’s gone bad or food that is past the best-before date. We also can’t accept food that comes in damaged packages or without labels,” he says. Duque says Moisson Montreal doesn’t often get people who are just cleaning out their cupboards and dumping the unwanted materials in the donation bin. He says if you’re going grocery shopping, the best idea is to get a second of whatever you buy because likely what you want to eat, someone who uses a food bank will also want. And yes, that includes a treat every once in a while. “It’s important for people who are skipping meals to have the best food,” he says, “but honestly, we all have junk food at home. It’s not because you need to use the services of a food bank that you shouldn’t be able to grab a bag of chips once in a while or a box of Fruit Loops.” Often, he says, it might be the only time children whose families use their services might be able to get an item like that. Boots, not furniture At Saint Michael’s Mission on Stanley Street in downtown, the needs are specific. The soup kitchen and homeless services centre gives out 50 to 60 clothing items every day. At the top of the list are men’s winter boots size 9-13 (especially size 10), and new socks and underwear in all sizes. Used clothes can be accepted, provided they are in good condition. “If you’re giving something because you can’t use it anymore because it’s worn out then probably you shouldn’t be giving it to an organization,” says executive director Andrew Marrocco. It also cannot accept furniture, despite some prospective donors trying to convince them otherwise. “We’ve experienced someone who’s changed apartments and they just have a room full of stuff they need to get rid of,” he says. “They try and convince us there’s something in those donations that we need, but then suddenly we’re stuck with all these things that we don’t actually want. Sometimes we get a pile of worn-out clothing, stained clothing, sometimes, really, in the state that baffles us why it’s not just going to a garbage disposal.” Volunteers needed For the first time, the charity created an Amazon wishlist so Montrealers can buy and send items directly to the Mission. Chez Doris specializes in care for women who are homeless or in precarious situations. It says one of its needs is volunteers. When CTV visited this week, the Emerald Society of the Montreal Firefighting Department were helping to prepare lunch. Chez Doris recently opened an overnight warming station with 30 spaces. Executive Director Diane Pilote says a range of clothing can be accepted, but they are especially looking for gently used or new snow gear and underwear. Cosmetics, including makeup, can also be given. “They like beauty and to be chic at certain moments,” said Pilote. Chez Doris does not accept baby products as it does not have services for mothers. It can accept a limited number of men’s shoes, especially running shoes, in smaller sizes that can be worn by women. Across the board, charities say they always need financial donations. A more complete list of the responses CTV received is below. Native Women’s Shelter: The NWSM is not able to accept: Chez Doris: Saint Michael’s Mission: For the winter in particular: At all times: Items the mission cannot use: Amazon wishlist Logifem: Items the organization cannot use: Moisson Montreal: Dans la Rue: Items the organization does not need: West Island Women’s Shelter Gift cards ($25 minimum: Walmart, Canadian Tire, Rona, HomeSense, etc.)
