Charity has many hues. Sometimes it comes in cash; other times, it’s a pile of clean comfy bed sheets.
If you are pondering ways to donate your old bedding for the homeless while doing your spring cleaning, we can help! So many people are struggling and need help with new bedding and other necessities.
Donating old bedding like a mattress to homeless people is a simple act of kindness that can change someone’s life.
But as the saying goes, “Knowledge is power.” So, before you donate, you must understand where and how to donate bedding for the homeless.
Keep reading to access this information.
Local Homeless Shelters Accepting Bedding Donations
Sometimes we buy things we don’t need and go as far as leaving them unused. Why not put it to good use by actually donating it? For example, you can give new or gently used bedding, like blankets, comforters, sheets, pillows, and mattress pads, to people in need.
You’d never know who needs the warmth from your old sheets throughout the harsh Canadian winter months!
Many local homeless shelters throughout Canada accept bedding donations. But it’s always best to start with local shelters around you. Most of them have dedicated donation centers with staff available to answer any questions about their donation policy. You can also look for local drop-off locations or contact shelters to arrange a pickup.
Another option is to give out bedding through charities like The Good Shepard Foundation, SOS Children’s Villages, and the Salvation Army.
All three charities have locations across Canada and will gladly accept your bedding donations. With their help, those in need can access clean and comfortable sheets during these challenging times.
National Charities Providing Bedding for Homeless Canadians
We know it may seem challenging to find an NGO. But national charities operate across Canada–there’s hardly a local area without one! Hence, you can reach out to any of them!
The Red Cross
The Canadian Red Cross is an international humanitarian organization dedicated to helping conflict, disaster, and poverty victims. The organization has a ‘warmth for warmth’ program. It allows individuals and businesses to donate their gently used clothing and clean blankets, jackets, and sleeping bags for vulnerable Canadians nationwide.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army operates in 400 communities across Canada, offering help with bedding, clothing, and other forms of support. In addition, their thrift stores always appreciate bedding donations that enable them to provide much-needed shelter for needy people.
Out of the Cold
Out of the Cold is a charitable organization assisting homeless youth across Toronto. You can send out your used sleeping bags and blankets to them. They will ensure homeless kids get appropriate bedding when sleeping on the streets or in shelters.
Look For Bedding Drives in Your Area
If you want to help with the bedding situation for homeless Canadians and you’re local, look for any bedding drives in your area.
Local churches and charity organizations often host these drives; they’re a great way to get involved.
Here are some places to check when you are in a pickle on where to donate bedding for the homeless:
Churches
Contact your local churches to see if they have active bedding drives or similar programs. This should, perhaps, be your first contact. Most churches support programs where you can donate old towels, bedding, household items, or other textiles.
Homeless Shelters
Homeless shelters often have donation bins at the entrance so people can drop off items like bedding, clothing, toiletries, and more.
Community Centers
Your local community center might have a program dedicated to helping the homeless population in your area by collecting bedding materials or clothes.
Charities
Contact a non-profit organization like Salvation Army or Goodwill to see if they have any ongoing bedding drives you can donate to or volunteer with.
American Textile Recycling Service
If you can’t donate sheets, try recycling centers like the American textile recycling service. They recycle donated items and put them to good use.
Animal Shelters
Shelters for animals also accept old blankets, kitchen towels, and other linens.
How to Donate New or Gently Used Bedding
The first thing to remember is that the bedding needs to be clean and in good condition—you can donate either new or gently used bedding. So long as it’s not worn and washed regularly.
What to Do Before Making a Donation
If you decide to donate, there are a few steps you need to take:
- First, select the bedding items you want to donate.
- Then, wash them using gentle detergent and fabric softener, ensuring they are dry before donating them.
- Next, drop off your donation at your local homeless shelter or any national organization listed above.
- Give generously! Every bit helps those in need and is much appreciated by homeless shelters across Canada.
These national organizations accept donations of all kinds, including bedding:
- Toronto’s Furniture Bank
- Salvation Army Donation Centers
- Habitat for Humanity ReStores
- The Mustard Seed; Out of the Cold
- Center 454
- Covenant House Toronto
- Lunenburg County Homeless Outreach Society
- Center for Newcomers (Calgary)
- Saskatoon Friendship Inn Homeless Shelter.
Most Needed Bedding Items for Homeless Shelters
You might not know this, but homeless shelters’ most needed bedding are sheets, comforters, blankets, and pillows. A good rule of thumb is to donate one bedding set per person.
That means if you have a spare twin sheet set, you could provide a homeless person in need with a place to sleep a little more comfortably.
If you’re looking for what types of bedding and items to donate, here are some suggestions:
- Blankets
- Sheets & pillowcases (Twin & Queen size are most common)
- Comforters & quilts
- Pillows (including pillow protectors), mattress pads & mattress covers
- Towels & washcloths
- Sleeping bags (new or gently used)
- Pillowcases (particularly handmade ones)
Donating these items will give someone living on the streets the comfort of having something warm and cozy to sleep in during the cold winter months.
Other Ways to Help the Homeless in Your Community
Do you want to help the homeless in your community, but access to bedding is a challenge? There are other ways that you can help!
Don’t Forget About Non-profits!
Non-profits often provide essential services to needy people. They go as far as providing meals, clothing, and housing.
So, you can take your charity further by donating items like winter jackets or socks or even your time by volunteering at a shelter or kitchen.
You can also contribute directly to organizations – even small amounts add up and make a difference.
Providing Basic Human Needs
Another way you can help is through basic human needs like food, water, and safe places for the homeless.
Look into local food banks and soup kitchens to see what items they need the most. It could be canned goods, hygiene products, etc.
Many cities now have “warming centers” for cold winter nights. So, find out how you can get involved by volunteering or giving items like blankets and pillows.
Giving Back to the Community
Finally, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to organize or participate in events or activities that give back to the homeless population in your city.
It might include fundraisers like meal drives, where volunteers prepare meals for homeless people weekly. In addition, you could participate in clean-up efforts with neighborhood organizations: or host donation drives and other events.
Summary
Donating bedding is an easy and practical way to assist homeless folks. The feeling of warmth during the Christmas season is heavenly– and it’s a luxury that some people can’t afford!
But bedding can provide warmth, comfort, and security for people in desperate need. That’s how much difference your donations could make!
There are many places across Canada where you can donate bedding for the homeless. You can drop them off at a shelter, donation center, or charity shop.
Remember, it doesn’t have to be bedding– you can even donate furniture or any item that could change someone else’s life!