Custom Donations

 Custom Donations

We are looking to collect certain items to distribute to homeless people in addition to what the shelters are able to provide. Our goal is to be able to facilitate a donation with every purchase made so we can help to redistribute the excess that is already out there and not add to the waste that is so often generated by corporations in this country.


The number 1 need of most homeless people is clean clothes. When living on the street it can be difficult to keep up with hygiene with the lack of access to showers and laundry facilities. Any items donated will be distributed through local shelters and other outreach programs. Any blank apparel items that we are able to print on will be printed with the Cherry Willow Apparel logo and given to shelters so that homeless people may wear it and know that there is a brand working on their behalf and to help them in whatever way we can. 


In particular with clean clothes, socks and underwear are of huge importance. Used socks and underwear cannot be accepted, for obvious reasons, but we are working to find a partnership with a manufacturer to have a pair of socks and underwear be donated with every sticker purchase to local shelters to ensure they always have a supply to give out to those in need.


Winter clothing, especially in areas like Chicago and other midwest cities with large homeless populations are of huge importance. Anything from thermal underwear, to sweatshirts and jackets, to gloves, hats and boots are very much needed in order to survive the harsh winter. Please don’t only think of donating these items in the winter. When you are doing your spring cleaning consider donating these types of items to us or to your local homeless shelter. It goes a long way towards helping preparations for the winter when we are able to collect these items all year round. 


The second largest need is personal care products including sunscreen, hand/body lotion, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, menstrual care products and hand sanitizer. Living outside and exposed to the elements can have a tremendous impact on our skin. These items help the people who are homeless take care of themselves and protect their skin from the constant exposure to the elements. They also help ensure that they are doing everything they can to prevent infection or illness from exposure to germs and bacteria. 


Third would be supplies that will help people who do not do well in the shelter environment. Many people that are dealing with homelessness are also facing mental health issues including anxiety. The shelter setting is often very crowded and loud, with lack of privacy or space for yourself. Many people, especially those with anxiety or other social behavioral issues choose to camp instead of living in a shelter. To help support these people everything from backpacks, to sleeping bags, tarps & tents are a huge help. In order for someone to make progress on their mental health they have to be in an environment that they feel safe in. Ensuring we help provide the people that need space with the goods that enable them to create a safe space for themselves will go a long way towards helping them work on their mental health issues. 


Please share this with anyone who is looking to help the homeless as many of the donations to Goodwill, Salvation Army and other similar companies end up in their retail stores rather than directly going to someone in need. We are also looking for local businesses that are willing to be donation centers for those who would like to donate until such a time when we are able to set up a warehouse. Please if you are a local business owner or know someone who is and would like to help support homeless people while also generating some additional foot traffic for your business to get in contact with us and to read the donation center sign up document which is listed on the site under “Donation Center Sign Up” page under the Resources section of the website. 

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