The Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (Shelterhouse) appreciates the generous support of the community. There are several ways individuals, clubs, or other organizations can donate to Shelterhouse:
- Cash—cash donations help to pay for: groceries for house residents, utilities for the facility, staff time to serve victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, staff time to do outreach and educate the public about these issues, telephone lines to serve those in crisis in Midland and Gladwin counties, and transportation so staff can transport residents or, in some cases, provide transportation for someone needing to come to the shelter. Cash donations can be designated to a particularly project or area such as rape prevention materials, games and books for the children’s programs, new bedding for the house, etc.
- Non-perishable food items—food items are always needed for residential clients. The number of residential clients varies during the year so canned goods and other non-perishable food items are most helpful.
- Dial-A-Ride or County Connection tickets—some clients do not have their own vehicles and need transportation to enable them to get to counseling appointments and groups. Those staying at the shelter may need tickets to help them look for housing and jobs.
- Telephone cards/Gift Cards—long distance cards and gift cards are a great help to clients. Gift cards enable clients to purchase groceries, needed clothing, school supplies for children, gas, and other necessary items. Telephone cards help clients to make needed contacts as they establish themselves.
- Paper Products—Shelterhouse clients use a tremendous number of paper products while living at the shelter: paper toweling, toilet paper, paper plates, napkins, etc. We are always grateful for help with these items.
The “wish lists” below give specific information on items always needed here at Shelterhouse. If you wish to donate items not listed above or on our “wish lists”, please check first. Due to limited storage space, we are not able to take much clothing or other household items. We do refer Shelterhouse clients to local clothes closets and to other agencies which provide household items. Thanks for your help, generosity, and understanding.
Shelterhouse Wish List
| Baby wipes | Juices—apple, orange, grape, Hi-C, etc. |
| Bathroom cleaner—spray type | Juice boxes |
| Bathroom deodorant spray | Ladies socks (not hosiery) |
| Bleach | Laundry detergent |
Cleaning supplies (all kinds):
|
Paper products:
|
| Coffee—regular and decaf | Phone cards |
| Coffee Mate creamer | Postage stamps |
| Copy paper | Snack foods |
| County Connection tickets | Spray & Wash stain remover |
| Day Planners/organizers (checkbook size) | Spray disinfectant—Citrace, Lysol, etc. |
| Deodorant | Sweatsuits—M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, or larger |
| Dial-A-Ride tickets | Ziploc freezer bags (gallon size and up) |
| Diapers—size 4 and larger | |
| Digital cameras (2) | |
| Fabric softener sheets for the dryer | |
| Feminine products | |
| Garbage bags (30 gallon and large kitchen) | |
| Hair care products | $10 Gift cards for Meijer, Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Target, Home Depot, etc. |
Children's Program Wish List
| Water color paint/paper | Puzzles |
| Cassette tapes or CDs of soothing music | Word search books |
| Football, soccer ball | Plastic bowling toy |
| Air pump for balls | Toss Across |
School supplies:
|
Teen gifts
|
Journals to write in for kids |
Puppets: realistic-looking family (from School Days) |
| Magazine subscriptions for children & teens | "Koosh" toys |
| Barbie Dolls and accessories | Crafts:
|