My first job out of college was for a nonprofit that did vocational counseling for Soviet refugees, and cleanliness was a big issue in employability (soap and laundry detergent were both strictly rationed in the Soviet Union at the time). Walgreens, in fact, made a very generous donation once we explained our purpose, which was to make up little toiletry kits for newly arrived families with a Russian-language leaflet explaining American attitudes on hygiene, cleanliness, washing clothes after every wearing, etc. It was a big hit.
zombie or no
get chummy with an Avon lady.
maybe get donations from students a buy sample sized products by the case.
please stop this
Thank you everyone! I know above it outlined a lot of options but I have not had much luck in soliciting from local companies. I will have to give Walgreens a try!
Hello All,
I volunteer with a local ( Eastern Kentucky)organization that provides help and food to homeless, extremely impoverished and disaster victims( fire, storms etc. ) We are also always looking for sample toiletries if any of you still have some to contribute or ideas and contacts to companies that may also be able to provide.
Just a general thought, even if you are thinking about donating somewhere closer to you:
Needs that are often forgotten
Socks
diapers
razors
soap
shampoo
toilet paper
feminine hygiene
lotion
tooth paste and brush
If you are able, these are such necessary items that are always needed.
Plz ignore post
It seems like a lot of hotels have switched from individual bottles of shampoo etc. to refillable dispensers, which is probably good from an environmental standpoint. But thanks for the reminder; I’ll keep an eye out for those and see if my local homeless or DV shelters could use them.
I’d suggest when contacting companies to specifically ask if they may have samples for a product that is being discontinued or the packaging is being redesigned. That may trigger someone’s memory about a bunch of samples sitting around because the packaging changed from a blue design to a green for example, but it’s the exact same product.
Check out the various discount stores in your area. I work at one and we regularly get this request.
For the toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss, ask a dentist or two. Whenever I visit my dentist, they offer a sample-size toothpaste, toothbrush and dental floss. I assume they get boxes of this stuff regularly.