Donating toiletries

Birdy12

Does anyone know of any charities that would be happy to receive toiletries? I've sorted out loads at home including around 10 bottles of Lynx deodorant, (MiL won't stop buying for DS).

Some toiletries are new, (including, ahem, some taken home from hotel rooms), some not, but they all have plenty in them, no half finished, off smelling things.

I was thinking of Salvation Army for homeless or Refuge? I'm in the South East if that helps. It just seems a shame to throw some of these things away.

Cheers, B

Frugaliza

You could try putting the, on Freecycle?

Birdy12

I've put things on Freecycle in the past but I became a little cynical of it; it as almost as if people said yes to something but only so they could sell it on. I suppose the whole point is that an item doesn't go in landfill, however, I'd rather things went directly to a place where they are useful for people who really need them!

There's a Salvation Army charity shop close to me; I thought I'd pop in there and ask if they have use for various small bottle of shampoo, shower gel, deodorant etc. I wonder if they have connections with the places for the homeless in London, i.e., Centrepoint. Shelter maybe?

Failing that, I thought Refuge or Women's Aid might be an idea. I can't think where else new/lightly used toiletries would be of any use.

B

Silvertabby

When I had a big cupboard clear out recently I asked Social Services if I could donate them to a women's refuge. They were happy to take them - but obviously only full, unused, items.

Birdy12

Aahh, good thinking. May sort out the new from the lightly used and contact local Social Services. I'm now thinking that 'lightly' used may be still too used for general use!

Cheers, B

comeandgo

While I'm sure yours are perfectly fine I would not use an opened product, you have no idea what could have been added.

Saver-upper

Supermarkets often have a big crate taking collections for homeless people.Maybe you could drop them directly into those.

Valli

Food banks accept unused toiletries.

For the hotel bottles why not ask your local hospice if they have a facility for relatives. I recently stayed in one and there were toiletries available for our use. The last thing we wanted to do was shop, but showering after an early morning dash and a few hours in a room was a real treat.

BettyBones

Maybe make up some little gift packs and go and offer them to those sleeping rough in your local area?

Legette

Hello!

We collect toiletries (including those 'liberated' from hotels) and donate them to the local children's ward. Parents are very grateful of the option of a freshen up after spending a night on a camp bed next to their sick child (usually in the clothes they spent the day in). A quick shower or teeth clean helps to make you feel like you can face whatever the day is going to throw at you.

Unfortunately we have considerable experience of these events!

dizzybee

Local food bank, would take them also refuge.x