10 ways to help a food bank, and the people in your community.

1.  Everyone need toilet tissue, and they can be so expensive.  I would hate to see anyone go without.  Many of the stores have their own brand, and you can pick up a pack of 4, which are inexpensive.  You have no idea how grateful someone would be.

2.  We take it for granted that the deodorant will be there after we have had a wash or shower.  I know living in Florida, that if I didn't have one, nobody would want to get near me.  Arrid seems to work the best for my husband, even on the hottest August day.

3.  Having that wash, we need soap.  Even the better quality soap, such as Dove, really aren't that expensive, but when you don't have any money, then they can be out of reach.  Walgreens drugstore sometimes have their brand, 3 for $1.  Even if you kept one for yourself, the other two could go to help the needy.

4.  One thing that most people would give up, if they were short on money, would be hand cream.  Bath & Body have some great ones, and often they are on sale.  Sometimes you can purchase 2 and get a third free.  Wouldn't it be nice to give that extra one to someone who would appreciate it.

5.  Some of us purchase individual bottles of water, but any of the supermarkets have the gallon size for less than a dollar.  Often water from the faucet isn't good, so by picking up a gallon of water, you can give someone the best gift of all, good quality drinking water.

6.  Saltines, or any kind of crackers, are great.  Make sure that you don't give the ones that have peanut butter, or cheese in them, as these don't keep well in a hot warehouse.

7.  Often children are going to school without a proper breakfast inside of them.  Store band cereals are a great buy.  We pick up bran flakes for $1.69 a box at the local Aldi food store.  You may also like to purchase the buy one get one free, at your local supermarket, and give the free one to a food bank.

8.  When money is tight children miss out on potato chips, cookies, and candy.  Yes, these are items that they don't need, but most go on sale, or are inexpensive.  The Dollar Tree store has all of these.

9.  Many food banks will take money so that they can purchase food items.  This means that they can buy meat, cheese, milk, etc., knowing that they have enough fridge/freezer space for it, or that they will be giving it out straight away.

10.  Look around your house, and if there are any toiletries, food, or soft drink items that you will not use, don't let them go to waste.  Food banks have more people coming on a daily basis, and hate to have to turn them away.