Some different donations could help people during holidays

Helping people during the holidays is a common wish for many Americans, which also continues through the year.

While helping with funding — such as donating to United Way to help fund their sponsored agencies — is one way to help, many donate items including food for food banks and soup kitchens and items for shelters.

Results of a survey of organization workers and volunteers is circulating the World Wide Web, listing some items people may not think of to donate which are greatly appreciated when available.

Appreciated food items

The top food item listed by volunteers in the survey was spices — people using food banks often eat a large amount of canned meat, white bread, rice, oatmeal and so on. Having some spices, like seasoned salt, basil, oregano, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, allspice, nutmeg and cinnamon, can help liven up their meals.

The people surveyed listed chocolate as their second-most appreciated foodstuff. While it isn’t essential for anyone, many people would appreciate a chocolate bar or box of brownie mix, the online listings say.

The next-highest food item listed was canned meats and jerky — which can help get protein to people needing help with their meals — followed by crackers and tortillas.

Packets of dried soup was next on the list, which could help people put together, and fill out, staples they receive like rice, beans and cans of vegetables.

The last item in the top 10 list was cans of pineapple — while a variety of kinds of canned fruit help food banks serve people in need, pineapple is a favorite.

Basic human needs

Outside of edible items, employees and volunteers listed several other items that are greatly appreciated, but often not thought of, to help out people in need.

The second-highest listed item in the survey was feminine products — pads, tampons, panty liners and so on.

Toiletries also were toward the top of the list. Some of the items listed on the online postings included toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, deodorant and shampoo.

Items people may not think of donating include helping people with babies. A list of greatly appreciated donations includes diapers, baby wipes, baby formula, baby shampoo, baby soap, baby food and baby bottles.

Toward the bottom of the list — but perhaps the top of the list for people who need them — is socks.

For more information on what and where to donate, people can contact District 4 Human Resources Development Council at 265-6743, the Havre Food Bank at 265-2007, the Feed My Sheep Soup Kitchen at 265-1629, or The Salvation Army at 265-6411.