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Emergency Hospitality Supplies

Trinity's emergency supply cabinet serves people in immediate need with food, toiletries, and other supplies for basic survival. Your donations are critical to keep this service running, and your help is deeply appreciated!


This guide shows you what we need, so you can choose how to donate most effectively.


Please consider picking up a few items each time you go grocery shopping, or buy in bulk if something is on sale.

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Basic Tips

• The best options are nutritionally complete, shelf­-stable foods that don't require preparation: ready-to­-eat meals with pull­tab cans

• Include some vegetarian, vegan, nut­-free, and gluten-­free options
• Consider personal care items for hygiene, health, and warmth
• No expired or open food!!!

 

Remember: if you wouldn't use it, don't donate it

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Best

These items are almost always in need, and can make an immediate difference in someone's life!

 

Choose nutritious, shelf­stable, durable, portable, easy­to­eat foods that don't require much preparation or tools -­ with pull­-tab cans where possible!

 

  • Ready-­to-­eat, heat-­and-­eat, and just-­add-­water meals

    • Canned soups, stews, chili, etc.

    • Instant noodles, soup cups

    • Meal replacement beverages

  • Healthy snacks

    • Trail mix & granola/cereal bars

    • Dried & canned fruits

  • Proteins

    • Peanut and other nut butters

    • Canned / dehydrated meat & fish

    • Canned bean salads, etc.

  • Basic toiletries

    • Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss

    • Soap, deodorant, sanitary wipes

    • Feminine hygiene products

  • Baby food, formula & diapers

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Good

Although not always critical for everyone, items on this list can add
comfort or be a boost for those on the margins.
 

You may wish to check whether these things are currently needed before donating.

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  • Easy­-to­-prepare meals & sides

    • mac & cheese, pasta & sauce with few added ingredients, eg: Hotplate/microwave preparable,

    • Low­-sugar cereals, oatmeal

  • Beverages

    • Instant coffee, tea bags

    • Fruit juices & electrolytes

    • Reusable water bottles

  • Socks & underwear!!

  • Warm clothing in winter

    • Hats, gloves, scarves, coats

  • Cooking & eating tools

    • Pots, spatulas, can openers, etc.

    • Reusable utensils, bowls, plates

  • First aid supplies

    • Bandages, antiseptics, tape, safe consumption kits

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Limit / Avoid

Although appreciated, some items are of limited use, or better donated elsewhere ­- like a food bank, or our monthly hospitality meal.

 

  • Foods that need a full kitchen or many ingredients to prepare

  • Ingredients without immediate use eg: flour, oil, sauces, etc.

  • Candy, pop, chips & 'junk' food

  • Bottled water

  • Perishable or refrigerated foods

  • Medicine, alcohol, & other drugs

  • Absolutely *NO* expired, spoiled, open, or otherwise used food!


If you are unsure whether you should donate an item, check in with us first.

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Thank you for your kindness and generosity!

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