Tis the Season of Giving and since Christmas is quickly approaching, it is truly a time to be grateful for what we have. It’s also a time to help others who are not as fortunate.
Donating to The Narrow Door’s Christmas Store is a great place to start your Holiday donations! In fact, this year will be The Narrow Door’s 19th Annual Coachella Valley Christmas Store!
The Narrow Door
Over the years, The Narrow Door has strived to deliver the message of hope to the families struggling to provide for their children during this season. They offer a way for families to receive support while maintaining their sense of dignity. From the moment the family receives their invitation to the Christmas Store until the time our volunteers help them load their gifts and food into their vehicle, they are loved on and prayed for. The impact of this outreach would not be possible without the selflessness and generosity from hundreds of volunteers and supporters.
It’s their partnerships that help provide free food and gifts to thousands of low-income children and their families each year. The Narrow Door invites you to partner with us this year in blessing these families who would otherwise go without new gifts and a good meal on Christmas. You can offer your support through volunteering, donating gifts and supplies, as well as giving financially.
According to FeedingAmerica.org, in 2009, 5.6 million households in America went to a food pantry for emergency food at least once. Because food pantries, also called food banks, are non-profit organizations, they rely on the generosity of others to help provide food for the needy. When most food banks are running low on supplies, they appeal to the public for donations, and usually, there are certain foods that are more needed than others.
There are multiple ways to help fill their Christmas list through Amazon and Target links on their website.
Items they are looking for on Amazon include things like a Journaling Kit for teen girls, hair crimping styling tool, paint set, and ear phones just to name a few and all under $30, but would be priceless to a child wheived it.
The Target Wish List consists of action figures, basketballs, baby dolls, and lots of game boards. Great items to make any child smile on Christmas morning and most of the toys are under $20.
The Narrow Door also appreciates cash donations of any amount.
This year’s The Narrow Door’s outreach will be a drive-thru event held on December 18th.
With so many people unable to supply their families with food, another place I like to donate to is The Rescue Mission in Indio. They meet the needs of Coachella Valley’s homeless, hungry and hurting by providing basic needs today and help people build new lives for a brighter tomorrow.
The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission
Ongoing Needs List at CVRM:
Food:
- Dairy: Butter, Milk, Cream, Sour Cream
- Sugar & Brown Sugar
- Flour, Pancake Mix, Oatmeal, Dry Cereal
- Cooking Oil: Vegetable, Canola, Corn, Olive Vinegar: Red, White, Balsamic
- Syrup, Jams & Jellies, peanut butter, apple sauce jar and apple sauce cups
Pasta, Mac and Cheese - Condiments: Mustard, Ketchup, Mayo, Relish, Salsa, Coffee Creamer
- Canned Goods: Corn, Peas, Green Beans, Refried Beans, Pinto Beans,
- Mixed Vegetables, Chili, Soup, Enchilada Sauce
- Spices & Herbs including Seasoning Salt, Lemon Pepper, Garlic, Paprika, Rosemary,
- Oregano, Thyme, Parsley, Salt, Pepper
- Beverages: Coffee, Sports Drinks, Fruit Juice, Water
- Fresh and Canned Meats including Chicken, Beef, Pork, and Fish
Housekeeping:
Bleach
Laundry soap
Floor Cleaner
Plastic Gloves
Grill Bricks
Cleaning Clothes: Cotton, Microfiber
Personal Items:
Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Soap Bars
Face Wash
Deodorant
Toothpaste, Tooth Brushes, Floss, Mouthwash (non-alcoholic)
Feminine Hygiene Products
Razors and Shaving Cream for Men and Women
Body Lotion and Cream
Toilet Paper, Q-Tips, Kleenex
Infants And Children:
Diapers, Baby Wipes, Baby Powder
Formula: Regular & Soy
Baby Food: ages 6m to 18m
Clothing: Jumpers, Onesies, T-Shirts, Pants/shorts, Jackets, Underwear/Sleepwear, Shoes, Socks, strollers, unused car seats
Clothes For Women: All Sizes
White Socks and Dress Socks
Undergarments, T-Shirts
Jeans, Work Pants, Casual Pants and Shorts
Business Professional WorkWear
Sweatshirts, Jackets
Shoes: Tennis, Work, Casual, Business Professional
Clothing For Men: All Sizes
White Socks and Dress Socks
Underwear, Boxers, T-Shirts
Jeans & Work Pants
Dockers & Casual Slacks
Suites, Ties, Dress Shirts
Sweatshirts, Jackets
Shoes: Tennis, Work, Boots, Casual, Business Professional
Health Care:
Aspirin, Generic Tylenol, Ibuprofen – Advil
Cough Drops
Office:
Pens, Pencils, Highlighters
Notepads & Notebooks
Stamps, post-it notes
Markers of all kinds
Letter Folding Machine
General Gifts: Target or Wal-Mart gift cards
Donation Drop Offs:
When you donate food to the CVRM, you are helping us serve 350,000 meals a year to those in need. As part of our community outreach, the Mission serves three daily meals to our residents, and two daily public meals, and distributes food boxes to help sustain families and those in need in our community.
Drop off your much-needed food donations seven days a week at the Donation Dock, located at 47470 Van Buren St. in Indio, open 8am – 4pm, and after-hours drop off at the security office.
For large donations, please call 760.347.3512 Ext.300 to arrange for a pickup time.
Southwest Church
Another favorite of mine to donate to is the Southwest Church in Indio. One of their many ways they assist our Community is their Thrift Shop. “Southwest would love your new or gently used items to replenish the store inventory. Don’t forget, all profits from the Thrift Store are used for community outreach to make Jesus famous!”
The Southwest Church Thrift Store is currently accepting donations of furniture, clothing, toys, books, jewelry, and more.
DONATIONS ACCEPTED:
INDIO: Tuesday – Saturday | 9 AM – 2:00 PM
(A tax write-off donation slip is also available upon request)
Any large items can be picked up. You can call (760) 567-8004 to arrange a pick up for larger items. Our well-marked box trucks and helpful staff are available to pick up larger items or quantities between 8 AM and 3 PM, Monday through Friday.
Not only can you donate items, but The Thrift Store is a fun place to shop! If you have any questions about what or how to donate to any of the above Organizations, give me a call! I would love to discuss how you can help this time of year – or anytime.