Our wish list is designed to address more than immediate survival needs. Donations provide women and young people with dignity, comfort, safety, educational resources, emotional support, and the practical tools they need to move toward greater stability and independence.

Every contribution matters. A package of hygiene products, a new pair of shoes, a backpack filled with school supplies, or a grocery gift card can make a meaningful difference for someone navigating a difficult period.

WOMEN IN CRISIS

Women experiencing domestic violence, homelessness, financial hardship, or other crises may have to leave their homes with very few personal belongings.

CWAH seeks donations that help women meet immediate needs while preparing for independent living.

Personal Care & Hygiene

• New underwear and bras
• New socks
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body wash and soap
• Lotion
• Deodorant
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Feminine hygiene products
• Hair-care products for diverse hair textures
• Bonnets, hair ties, and wide-tooth combs
• Personal-care and grooming items
• New slippers

Comfort & Clothing

• New sweatpants and hoodies
• T-shirts
• Pajamas
• Seasonal clothing
• New sneakers
• New winter boots
• Professional clothing for interviews and employment
• Blazers and appropriate work attire
• Comfortable flat shoes

New items are strongly preferred for personal-care, undergarment, bedding, and hygiene needs.

TRANSITIONAL & INDEPENDENT-LIVING NEEDS

When a woman moves from crisis toward stable housing, basic household items can make the transition much easier.

Bedding & Bath

• New pillows
• Twin-size sheet sets
• Comforters
• Waterproof mattress protectors
• Bath towels
• Hand towels
• Washcloths
• Blankets

Kitchen & Household

• Pots and pans
• Can openers
• Cooking utensils
• Plates and bowls
• Cups and drinking glasses
• Silverware
• Food-storage containers
• Basic cleaning supplies
• Laundry supplies

Transportation & Communication

• Public transportation passes
• Gas cards
• Rideshare assistance
• Prepaid phone cards
• Cell-phone chargers
• Portable power banks

Gift Cards

Gift cards provide women with the dignity and flexibility to select what they need most.

Preferred gift cards include:

• Grocery stores
• Walmart
• Target
• Local retailers
• Gas stations
• Public transportation

UNDERSERVED & AT-RISK YOUTH

CWAH recognizes that children and youth experiencing poverty, housing instability, family hardship, or other challenges need more than basic necessities.

Young people need opportunities to learn, create, connect with others, and develop confidence.

Academic & School Success

• New backpacks
• Notebooks
• Composition books
• Folders
• Pens and pencils
• Colored pencils
• Markers
• Planners
• Calculators
• Flash drives
• School-supply kits
• Headphones
• Phone chargers
• Portable power banks

Technology & Digital Inclusion

• Headphones
• Earbuds
• Charging cables
• Power banks
• USB drives
• Basic technology accessories
• Educational technology resources

Technology donations should be appropriate for the student's age and educational needs.

CREATIVE, THERAPEUTIC & RECREATIONAL ITEMS

Creative activities give young people healthy opportunities for self-expression, emotional regulation, and positive social interaction.

Art & Creativity

• Sketchbooks
• Journals
• Drawing paper
• Markers
• Colored pencils
• Paint
• Paintbrushes
• Canvases
• Craft supplies
• Modeling clay

Emotional Wellness

• Journals
• Stress balls
• Fidget tools
• Age-appropriate sensory items
• Positive affirmation cards
• Creative writing materials

Games & Group Activities

• Uno
• Age-appropriate board games
• Card games
• Puzzles
• Cooperative games
• Educational games

Community Experiences

Where appropriate, CWAH may use donated experiences or gift certificates for:

• Museums
• Movie theaters
• Bowling
• Cultural events
• Educational activities
• Youth recreational programs

YOUTH CLOTHING & PERSONAL ESSENTIALS

Youth deserve clothing and personal items that promote dignity, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Requested items include:

• New hoodies
• T-shirts
• Jeans and casual clothing
• Weather-appropriate jackets
• New sneakers
• New boots
• Pajamas
• Backpacks
• Duffel bags
• Rolling luggage
• Personal hygiene products
• Teen-friendly grooming products

Providing luggage and duffel bags is particularly meaningful for youth experiencing housing instability because it gives them a safe and dignified way to carry their belongings.

FAMILY & HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT

CWAH also welcomes donations that support families experiencing financial hardship.

Examples include:

• Grocery gift cards
• Household cleaning supplies
• Laundry detergent
• Paper products
• Diapers and wipes, when needed
• Infant and children's hygiene products
• Nonperishable food
• School supplies
• Seasonal clothing
• Blankets
• Household starter items

WHAT TO DONATE

For health, safety, and dignity, CWAH encourages donors to provide:

NEW:

• Undergarments
• Socks
• Personal hygiene products
• Bedding
• Pillows
• Towels
• Toiletries
• Shoes
• Personal-care items

For other donated items, please contact CWAH before dropping them off so that we can confirm current needs and available storage capacity.

CWAH may be unable to accept items that are damaged, stained, unsafe, opened, expired, or otherwise unsuitable for distribution.

THE POWER OF A GIFT CARD

Gift cards are especially valuable because they allow families to choose the items they need most.

A $25 gift card can help purchase groceries or personal-care products.

A $50 gift card can help with transportation, household necessities, or clothing.

A larger gift can help a woman purchase several items needed to establish a household.