Chris SistrunkHave too many conference swag bags?
Fill it with these items to give to a homeless person. #alittlebithelps❤️
Magen Wu@chrissistrunk also, take all the hotel amenities with you. I recommend taking all the refill shampoo, soap, conditioners, and vanity kits when available and donate those.
@magen that's a great idea and I used to do that. I have rarely stayed in hotels (and travel in general) since the pandemic. I expect it to ramp up next year.
The last hotel I stayed in, they switched to big dispensers for soap, shampoo, and conditioner (I presume to cut down on plastic). I'm not sure how many hotels still have individual amenities.
@chrissistrunk In my experience starting back up again, it varies but I’ve seen at least two bars of soap consistently available and replaced daily so far. Also, I highly recommend keeping an eye out for sales in feminine products as those are usually REALLY hard for shelters to come by in donations.
Swiss Army Nerd@chrissistrunk #Infosec #Conference tip: Take your own toiletries, keep the hotel miniatures, and #donate them as well...
@wesmorgan1 yes I have done this when I traveled pre-pandemic. I haven't traveled much since and most of the places I've stayed lately had bulk shampoo, soap dispensers (to cut down on plastic).
Shatter@chrissistrunk I give all Corp/startup swag clothing to the unhoused.
Mandy@chrissistrunk some thoughts after a couple decades of non profit work, to make aid as helpful as possible and stretch what you can afford to share.
Food banks can stretch dollars further due to bulk purchasing, but unhoused folks can't always get to those.
food items should ideally be mostly soft. Many long-term unhoused folks are not getting medical care and especially not dental. Food items are best in pouches or with pop-top cans, that (even if less appealing) can be eaten cold, e.g. chunky soup vs condensed, and include disposable or camp spoons. High protein focus.
Check dollar stores for travel size toiletries. Hats, gloves, etc can often be thrifted. Small gift cards to food or grocery are also welcomed for a chance at a meal indoors and ability to pay and therefore use the restroom