2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER Hear me out: Give what is asked for SHERI WANDER Daytime Warming Center For many folks this season involves gift giving and certainly it is a season where many folks make donations to shelters and groups working with economic refugees from capitalism. So, here are some tips for donating ... If you have stuff that you want to donate, ask who needs it. Give what is asked for. If it wasn’t asked for, check first — otherwise your donation might not only go unused but also make more work for the folks you are trying to support. Remember that many grassroots nonprofits and mutual aid groups don’t have a lot of storage space. Be mindful that no matter how adorable that bikini is we don’t have a place to put it in December nor do we have room for that snow suit in August. If you are unsure, ask if groups have storage for off-season stuff. If you can fix zippers, sew on buttons or make other improvements, please do so before donating. If you think an item is not in good enough condition for you to wear it is probably not in condition for someone else to wear. The time between Thanksgiving, Christmas and the new year often creates awareness of needs, and it is so beautiful that folks donate stuff then. It is great to give to a grassroots group or mutual aid project a gift in someone’s name. The challenge is that the needs are still there the 11 other months of the year (and again, see the above notes on the challenge of storage). If your holidays include the tradition of gift giving, consider giving the gift of a pledge to donate goodies at some other time. A promise to bring needed items when you are doing spring cleaning, a portion of your garden’s harvest or a pledge to shop at a local food pantry or bring groceries in the summer months when donations tend to drop off. (And then mark it in your calendar and be sure to honor your commitment.) Remember that shelters are often crowded and loud and folks don't have lots of storage space. Loud or huge toys are often not practical and can unintentionally lead to conflict or tears when they need to be re-gifted or stored elsewhere Cash donations are great and can allow for an individual or group to make their own decisions about what is most needed. Most importantly remember RELATIONSHIPS MATTER! All the above are easier if you know the folks you are giving to! Give your time, get to know folks, be vulnerable with them, be in community! Thanks for reading this. Thanks for caring and wanting to give generously. With hard-nosed hope and fierce love! Requested items for donation at the Daytime Warming Center Things we almost always need: • Bus tokens and 1 day bus passes (ALWAYS!) • $5-$10 gift cards to coffee shops • Socks, hand warmers, gloves and mittens • Long johns/thermals (this is the only item we ask be new) • Hygiene items (especially razors, small things of q-tips, single packaged toothbrushes, lotion) • Winter boots in good condition Other useful things to check in about: • Winter clothing (men’s moreso than women’s … hoodies, sweatshirts, jeans, flannel shirts, sweatpants) • Belts • Winter coats (larger sizes needed) • Blankets • Hats and scarves The Ypsilanti site (the Freight House) is open Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. -6 p.m. but please bring donations by 5 p.m. The A2 site at St. Mary’s Student Parish on Thompson and Williams until January 31 (see more info page 4) is open Monday -Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.; please bring donations before 3 p.m. JANUARY 10, 2025 PROVIDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF-DETERMINED INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY POVERTY, PRODUCING A STREET NEWSPAPER THAT GIVES A PLATFORM TO UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES IN WASHTENAW COUNTY, PROMOTING AN ACTION TO BUILD A JUST, CARING AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETY. 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