Could you help me make a list?

Some of the best things are: bags of rice, bags of dried beans or peas, any canned vegetables, any canned meats (tuna, chicken, salmon), canned soups, milk that is vacuum sealed in those cardboard-type cartons (even soymilk). If they have infants, of course, formula or jars of baby food. All of these things have a very long shelf-life.

Paper goods, cleaning items, personal items (soap, toothpaste, deoderant, tampons, shavers, lotions, comb, a brush ) Canned fruits, canned veggies, pre made pudding and jello, or boxed pudding and jello, canned tuna, canned salmon, cereal, pasta, macoroni, velveta, matza, ketchup, mayo, salt/pepper. Bless you dear, M&M

Start out with the essentials, toilet paper, tissue, dish liquid, laundry detergent, soap, shampoo. Then go to the food items. Macaroni, spaghetti, sauces, canned vegies, etc.

Sorry if I dupe some things from anyone above, but if I do, maybe that will help towards your vote as to what to include. :) Mac and Cheese Instant Mashed potatoes Scalloped potatoes Rice a Roni Noddle Roni Hamburger Helper Tuna Helper Tuna Canned chicken breat meat Soups Ramen Noodles Spaghetti Spaghetti O's Ravioli Canned fruit Biscuit Muffin mixes Corn bread mix Canned corn or green beans Salt and Pepper The also have these hamburger helpers that come with the meats in the box. Peanut Butter There are a lot of things that I could think of...but I hope that helped some.

That is very nice of you to do something like this. You already have some really good suggestions. Toliet paper was the first thing that came to my mind but someone already said it.lol. I would also suggest pet supplies just in case anyone has pets. They need help too.

Hello Willowlady, I see you posted this discussion six months ago but felt inspired to respond to it anyway. I am new mylot member and had opened a discussion on working together to do something nice for others everyday...like the Pay It Forward Movie. When I read about your challenges and how you are reached out to a family in need I congratulate you! I believe in the truism 'what goes around comes around.' I sincerely hope the good you do for others comes back to you in ways that meet your needs. I don't know whether anyone else suggested it but I always include a candle for those in need. Then I write on a card and remind them that when they light the candle that is all it takes to shine light during those dark, daunting hours we have all experienced at one time or another. I also invited you to be a friend because of a comment you made on Avongirl's site about respecting differences...I so agree with that point of view!

sleeping gear blanket sheet pillow and water not to mention some game or cards for passing time

I say flour,sugar, salt, beans, dry fruit, can food is good,anything in a box.

well i m happy that u have a sence to help someone ..... else it is very nice ..

Toilet paper- paper towels - cereal (anykind) - boxed or canned soup- tuna fish - peanut butter- jelly any kind of canned goods (fruit cocktail- veggies - etc) Keep up the good work

o ok you you give to the neede good job

Any food stuffs with a long shelf life - like the folks above stated... pasta, rices, soups, dehydrated milk, etc. Definitly a first aid kit Blankets maybe even socks and gloves, hats, scarves. I don't know what the emergency might be. Another good thought is iodine tablets for water. If there is an emergency and someone needs supplies - it could also be possible that water is at a minimum, or that their water supply is contaminated. Iodine pills can help. I used them while hiking in Peru to keep from getting sick from giardia. Travel size toiletries, like the kind you get at hotels, can also be helpful. A small camp stove - the kind used for backpacking, might also be helpful.

You need hair care products like shampoo, conditioner, brush, comb, hair ties. The shampoo and conditioner can be as small as the samples and trial sizes you get in the mail. Shaving cream and razors and any other toiletries you can think of. Blankets, pillows, linens, towels, clothes, coats, shoes. Body lotions, deodorant, bar soap. If you are buying these items, use coupons to cut the cost. If your store doubles the value of the coupons, then try this: 55 cent coupon doubles to 1.10 = find the product in a size and price under 1.10 = result is the product is FREE. Non-food items you will have to pay the sales tax. A family that feels good and looks good will have a good chance at getting their self-esteem back. It will also help them to be presentable if looking for a job.

i suggest you put money in there. because moneys almost correspond to everything and it does not spoil.

My first thought was. Don't forget the toilet paper. I skimmed over some of the other responses and saw that was covered. I live in south florida. We've had to do a lot of hurricane preparing over the past few years. Heres what I get. Some of them may seem silly, but it's what I do for my family. toilet paper paper towels paper plates plastic cutlery bottled water canned goods: not sure why but I always get spaggetios and raviolli, tuna and soups. milk that does not need refrigerating. parmelat is a brand that I see here. dried goods. pasta I always buy poptarts but that's a personal preference lol some of these items canned be stored longer than others. you have to use your judgement on this. how long would it be stored. what kind of need would they be in? feminine products and diapers might be appropriate in some circumstances. Good luck. Your efforts are admirable.

What a lovely thing to do, I think I could only add after reading your responses is that in a time of need people often cant feed there animals and it may be or not of help to add some products for there most loved friends. Other than that I think I may of missed this discussion earlier because there are some great tips here. Goodluck Willowlady you are such a caring sole.

I work in a charity shop and one other thing we have is items for children. I realise that the first reaction is to feed someone, but we also put things like a little packet of something craft-related for the children. The packets of popsicle sticks, or pipe cleaners, or just a colouring book and pencils. Obviously it's not something the needy family gets every time, but it is great to cheer up a child who probably hasn't had much fun lately.