No Turkey Required – Four Ways to Give Families a Full Thanksgiving

We all love to eat ’til we’re stuffed at the Thanksgiving dinner table – but families living in poverty need more than just food during the holiday. Often, they can’t afford other basic needs like hygiene and household items that can’t be purchased with food stamps.

Find out four ways (in addition to donating food) you can support Bellevue children and their families during this season of giving!

1. Give Self Care: Families living in poverty often lack basic needs like soap, deodorant, toothpaste and feminine products. These items can’t be purchased with food stamps but are vital for proper health and self care. Students who don’t have access to these hygiene items are more likely to get sick, miss school and struggle in the classroom. You can help by holding a toiletries drive! Most-needed items include shampoo/conditioner, non-scented/unisex deodorant and feminine hygiene products.
2. Give Clean Living: Imagine being unable to run a load of laundry so your kids have clean clothes for school. Imagine watching dirty dishes pile up because you can’t afford dish soap. Household items like detergents, paper towels and toilet paper are critical to a healthy environment and stable home. Have friends or family bring a household item to your next gathering to help fill the shelves of Bellevue LifeSpring’s Food & Basic Needs Pantry!
3. Give Warmth: By the time cold weather comes, last year’s winter coat may no longer fit. Donating coats and cold weather accessories like hats, scarves and gloves will help to keep kids warm this winter. Plus, it can be a great way to clean out your closets and pass on items your own kids may have outgrown! You can drop off your new and gently-used cold weather wear at Thrift Culture during Bellevue Square mall hours or anytime at our donation bin.
4. Share #MyGivingStory: Every gift has a story. Whether you’re giving your time, collecting donations or raising funds, there is a reason you choose to support Bellevue LifeSpring and the families in our community. You can share your story and inspire others to give at mygivingstory.givingtuesday.org. Submit your reason for giving by #GivingTuesday on November 27 and you could win up to $10,000 for Bellevue kids!

Thank you for giving families in need something to be thankful for this year! Get more tips on hosting a drive or donate to support families in need year-round.