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STREET-FRIENDLY FOOD REQUIREMENTS

No cooking, heating, or preparation required — must be ready to eat as-is.

No can openers needed — avoid all canned goods unless they have easy-pull tabs.

Portable and durable — items should survive being carried in a backpack or handed out on foot.

Individually packaged — for safety, hygiene, and distribution consistency.

Long shelf life — avoid items that spoil quickly or require refrigeration.

Quick to open and eat — easy for individuals with limited strength or dexterity.

HYGIENE ITEM REQUIREMENTS

Items must be new, unopened, and sealed — for safety, hygiene, and dignity.

Travel-sized or compact — easy to carry in a backpack and distribute individually.

No strong fragrances — many individuals are sensitive or allergic to heavily scented products.

No aerosol cans — for safety and ease of transport.

Leak-proof packaging — items should not spill or break inside bags.

Gender-neutral when possible — makes distribution fair and easy.

Non-perishable and stable in heat — safe for outdoor environments and hot weather.

CLOTHING & WARMTH ITEM REQUIREMENTS

Items must be clean, gently used, or new — no stains, rips, or damaged clothing.

Durable and weather-appropriate — suitable for being outdoors for long periods.

Practical and comfortable — no dress clothes, heels, or fashion-only items.

Neutral sizes preferred — medium, large, and XL are most universal.

Easy to layer — lightweight but warm items increase versatility.

Footwear & socks must be new — for health and hygiene reasons.

Avoid bulky items — donations should be easy to transport during outreach.

FIRST AID & MISCELLANEOUS REQUIREMENTS

All items must be new, sealed, and within date — expired or opened items cannot be distributed.

Simple, non-prescription items only — no medications requiring a doctor’s supervision.

Travel-sized or compact packaging — easy for individuals to carry daily.

Safe to use without assistance — items must not require tools or medical training.

Weather-resistant packaging — should hold up in backpacks and outdoor environments.

No sharp objects — avoid anything that could pose a safety risk.

Focus on everyday care — practical items that support cleanliness, minor injuries, and comfort.

TIME & SERVICE DONATION GUIDELINES

A heart to serve comes first — all help should be offered with kindness, patience, and respect for those we meet.

Reliability and commitment — volunteers should honor their word and show up when they say they will.

Flexible and adaptable mindset — outreach locations, needs, and circumstances may change; willingness to adjust is essential.

Professional skills welcome — individuals with experience in wellness, grooming, care, or service are encouraged to help where appropriate.

No cost for services — all donated time, skills, and labor must be freely given, never charged.

Teamwork is essential — volunteers should be comfortable working with others and following simple direction for safety and organization.

Respectful ministry — those who wish to share the gospel must do so gently, lovingly, and without pressure or judgment.

Safety and boundaries — volunteers must respect privacy, personal space, and the dignity of every individual served.

Willingness to lift, carry, or assist — general hands-on help is always needed during events and supply distribution.

Compassion above all — every action should reflect Christ’s love, mercy, and humility.

SUGGESTED PLACES TO PURCHASE DONATIONS

Focus on affordability and stewardship — donations do not need to be expensive; reasonably priced items allow more people to be helped.

Look for deals, discounts, and bulk options — saving money stretches generosity further and supports larger outreach efforts.

Uniformity is important — similar items help ensure fair, equal distribution and reduce the risk of conflict or jealousy among recipients.

Avoid overly high-value or luxury items — humble, practical items are safer for those living outdoors and less likely to attract theft.

Choose retailers known for savings — bargain stores, dollar shops, bulk retailers, and online marketplaces often provide reliable, cost-effective options.

Quality over brand names — sturdy, dependable items are more valuable than expensive labels or premium products.

Safety first — select products that are simple, durable, and appropriate for outdoor living conditions.

Consistency helps planning — when donors stick to similar items, it allows for easier packing, organizing, and meeting specific community needs.

Every contribution matters — whether an item comes from Dollar Tree, Walmart, Amazon, or anywhere else, it is appreciated and valued.

Give from the heart — thoughtful, humble giving reflects Christ’s love and the spirit of service behind Street Shepherd.