There is no end to the needs of families in shelters and children in foster care. During summer, donations are sparse. Your club could fund raise to purchase new items with a Kids Care Clubs Good Cause Tag Sale or a lemonade stand. Balls, sidewalk chalk and bubbles would be fun summer toys for the kids.

Click here to order free couons for Quaker Product for your Summer Shelter Helpers Project.

Check with the shelter, soup kitchen or pantry first but below is a list of items commonly requested:

• Fresh fruit and vegetables from your garden or the local farmer's market
• Fresh flowers for their tables
• Non-perishable food items
• Single serving sized microwaveable items (some family shelters have a small kitchen with a microwave)
• Healthy snacks including "real juice" boxes
• Kitchen items
• Paper products
• Toiletries
• Blankets or towels
• New socks, sneakers, underwear or pajamas
• Gently used clothing
• New baby clothes and supplies
• Games and toys
• Books, videos and DVD's
• School supplies

   

Children in foster care or group homes, in addition to losing members of their families also lose most of their possessions, especially as they move from home to home. Due to confidentiality rules, it is difficult to interact with children in foster care but your club could provide items listed above to group homes or to your local human services department.