Instructions & guidelines

Help From Home Kits

Help From Home Kits are an opportunity for volunteer groups of all kinds to support the Downtown Women’s Center and the women we serve.

Questions? Please contact: GroupVolunteerEvents@DowntownWomensCenter.org

Snack Packs

Snack Packs are essential to the women we serve at the Downtown Women’s Center. They allow us to ensure that participants have a nutritious snack or meal when they leave the Day Center each afternoon. On an average day, we hand-out 100 Snack Packs to the women we serve. 

 Instructions and recipes below create 100 snack packs. We can accept any amount between 10-200 so please adjust accordingly.  

 Snack Packs must include 1 Main Course, 1 Fruit Serving, 1 Beverage, and 1-2 snacks. 

 

SNACK PACK INSTRUCTIONS
MAIN COURSE SERVING (CHOOSE 1)

Shopping List

  • 45 cans of tuna
  • 1 large jar of light mayonnaise
  • 6 heads romaine lettuce
  • 11 tomatoes
  • 100 whole wheat hamburger buns
  • salt and pepper
  • 100 snacks
  • 100 fruit servings
  • 100 beverages
  • 100 plastic sandwich bags
  • 100-200 napkins
  • 100 brown paper bags 

Directions

  1. Combine tuna and mayonnaise, season with salt and pepper as needed.
  2. Slice tomatoes and lettuce.
  3. Portion approximately 1-2 scoops of tuna onto each sandwich and top with lettuce and tomatoes.
  4. Package sandwiches in plastic sandwich bags and write the preparation date on the bags.
  5. Include sandwich, snack(s), fruit serving, beverage, and napkin(s) in brown paper bag.

Shopping List

  • 45 cans of chicken
  • 1 large jar light mayonnaise
  • 6 heads romaine lettuce
  • 11 tomatoes
  • 100 whole wheat hamburger buns
  • salt and pepper
  • 100 snacks
  • 100 fruit servings
  • 100 beverages
  • 100 plastic sandwich bags
  • 100-200 napkins
  • 100 brown paper bags

Directions

  1. Combine chicken and mayonnaise, season with salt and pepper as needed.
  2. Slice tomatoes and lettuce.
  3. Portion approximately 1-2 scoops of chicken onto each sandwich and top with lettuce and tomatoes.
  4. Package sandwiches in plastic sandwich bags and write the preparation date on the bags. 
  5. Include sandwich, snack(s), fruit serving, beverage, and napkin(s) in a brown paper bag. 

Shopping List

  • 13 bags of salad greens
  • 15 tomatoes
  • 10 cucumbers
  • 9 red onions
  • 100 individual containers of hummus
  • 100 whole wheat pitas
  • 100 snacks
  • 100 fruit servings
  • 100 beverages
  • 100 plastic sandwich bags
  • 100-200 napkins
  • 100 brown paper bags

Directions

  1. Chop and combine all vegetables.
  2. Fill each pita with hummus and vegetable mixture.
  3. Package pitas in plastic bags, or plastic wrap, and write the preparation date on the packaging.
  4.  Include sandwich, snack(s), fruit serving, beverage, and napkin(s) in a brown paper bag.

Shopping List

  • 7 jars natural peanut butter (not homogenized)
  • 7 jars jelly
  • 10 loaves of whole wheat or flax seed bread
  • 100 snacks
  • 100 fruit servings
  • 100 beverages
  • 100 plastic sandwich bags
  • 100-200 napkins
  • 100 brown paper bags

Directions

  1. Spread peanut butter and jelly on each sandwich in equal parts.
  2. Package sandwiches in plastic sandwich bags and write the preparation date on the bags. 
  3. Include sandwich, snack(s), fruit serving, beverage, and napkin(s) in a brown paper bag.

Shopping List

  • 20 bags of lettuce
  • 12 tomatoes
  • 12 cucumbers
  • 12 red onions
  • 7 cans of garbanzo beans
  • 5 packages feta cheese
  • 4 bottles Greek dressing
  • 100 snacks
  • 100 fruit servings
  • 100 beverages
  • 100 to-go containers
  • 100 utensil sets
  • 100-200 napkins
  • 100 brown paper bags

Directions

  1. Chop and combine all vegetables along with rinsed beans, cheese, and dressing.
  2. Assemble individual salads in to-go containers and write the preparation date on the box.
  3. Include salad, snack(s), fruit serving, beverage, utensils, and napkin(s) in a brown paper bag. 

 

NOTES OF EMPOWERMENT (OPTIONAL)

  • These can be handwritten notes, decorations on the bags, or we welcome your ideas!
  • Please do not include inappropriate language or any religious messaging.  
FOOD PREPARATION
  • Please ensure that all food preparation is conducted in a clean environment. 
  • Volunteers must wash their hands, wear gloves, and ensure their hair is tied back or under a hat.

FRUIT SERVING (CHOOSE 1)

  • 100 servings of seasonal fruit such as oranges, bananas, grapefruit, grapes, or berries. 
  • 100 servings of apple sauce (no sugar added) with spoon.

Please do not include apples as these can be challenging to eat for women with certain dental conditions. 

BEVERAGE (CHOOSE 1)

  • 100 units of bottled water
  • 100 united 100% juice packs
  • 100 small containers of milk
  • 100 units of seltzer 

Please do not include soda or other high-sugar beverages.

SNACKS (CHOOSE 1-2)

  • 100 individual packages of nuts of trail mix.
  • 100 granola bars (chewy or soft).
  • 100 boxes of raisins.
  • 100 individual bags of chips (low fat or low sodium)
  • 100 individual bags of cookies (low fat or sugar free)
  • 100 yogurt cups with spoon*
  • 100 string cheese* 
  • 100  individual packages of mini carrots, cucumbers, or celery*

*Please keep these items in their original packaging so we can refrigerate. Our kitchen team will add these items to the snack packs as they are handed out.

REQUIRED ITEMS

  • 100-200 napkins so you can include 1-2 per snack pack.
  • 100 utensils or utensils sets when necessary.

PACKAGING

  • Sandwiches should be packaged in plastic sandwich bags.
  • Salads should be packaged in to-go containers.
  • Snack Packs should be packaged in brown paper bags. 
SCHEDULE YOUR Snack Pack DELIVERY

We accept Snack Pack deliveries by appointment at our San Pedro Street location between 1:00 – 1:30pm daily.

Please contact us in advance to schedule your snack pack delivery to coincide with your snack pack assembly event.  

Contact:

GroupVolunteerEvents@DowntownWomensCenter.org

Toiletry Kits

Toiletry Kits are essential to the women we serve at the Downtown Women’s Center. Our Day Center provides daily access to showers for women experiencing homelessness, making toiletry kits an everyday need for the women we serve. 

Please note that we are returning to accept Toiletry Kits as of April 1, 2024. At this time, we will be able to receive a max. of 300 kits total each week.

Toiletry Kits must include all required items.

We can accept any number of kits between 10-300.

 Please note that we are able to accept pre-packaged and unused travel size items, only

1. REQUIRED ITEMS (travel size)

Include all items:

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body Wash
  • Lotion 
  • Body wipes
  • Fresh socks
  • Toothpaste
2. Optional Items (travel size)

Include as many items as you like:

  • Toothbrush
  • Deodorant 
  • Washcloth 
  • Comb or small brush 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Chapstick 
  • Q-tip swabs 
  • Band-aids 
  • Hair elastics
3. PACKAGING
Package your Toiletry Kits in large zip-lock bags (gallon size). 

DO NOT INCLUDE

  • Food products of any kind. 
  • Menstrual Products such as tampons or pads. DWC is well stocked on these products and distribute on an as-needed basis. 
  • Razors or razor cartridges.

NOTES OF EMPOWERMENT (OPTIONAL)

  • These can be handwritten notes, decorations on the bags, or we welcome your ideas!
  • Please do not include inappropriate language or any religious messaging. 
SCHEDULE YOUR Toiletry Kit DELIVERY

We accept Toiletry Kit deliveries by appointment at our San Pedro Street location between 8:00am – 1:00pm, Monday through Friday. You can self-schedule your donation drop-off here.

Contact:

GroupVolunteerEvents@DowntownWomensCenter.org

SHIPPING 

Alternatively, you may ship your donation to: 

Downtown Women’s Center — ATTN: donations team
442 S. San Pedro Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Please note that DWC does not cover shipping costs.

Clean Home Kit Instructions

Clean Home Kits provide DWC residents with essential cleaning supplies as they move from homelessness into housing. Your thoughtful contribution will help these women create a safe space that they can call home. There are three different kinds of kits you can make: general cleaning kits, kitchen cleaning kits, and laundry kits.

 Please ensure to include all items under your list of choice.

We can accept any number of kits between 10-300.

 Please note that we are able to accept pre-packaged and unused items, only.

Please include all items:

  • All-Purpose Disinfectant
  • Windex
  • Toilet Brush and Plunger
  • Garbage Bags
  • Dust Pan & Brush
  • Dusting Cloth

Please include all items:

  • Multi-Purpose Cleaner
  • Dish Soap
  • Sponge
  • Dish Towel
  • Hand Soap
  • Garbage Bags
  • Lysol Spray

Please include all items:

  • Laundry Detergent
  • Collapsible Laundry Basket
  • Fabric Softener
  • Dryer Sheets
  • Hangers 

PACKAGING

  • Please package your Clean Home Kits in durable tote bags. 

NOTES OF EMPOWERMENT (OPTIONAL)

  • These can be handwritten notes, decorations on the bags, or we welcome your ideas! 
  • Please do not include inappropriate language or any religious messaging.
SCHEDULE YOUR Clean Home Kit DELIVERY

We accept Clean Home Kit deliveries by appointment at our San Pedro Street location between 8:00am – 1:00pm, Monday through Friday. You can self-schedule your donation drop-off here.

Contact:

GroupVolunteerEvents@DowntownWomensCenter.org

SHIPPING 

Alternatively, you may ship your donation to: 

Downtown Women’s Center — ATTN: donations team
442 S. San Pedro Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Please note that DWC does not cover shipping costs.