Whenever I eat donuts I feel like I am doing a good thing. I feel good before the donuts, in anticipation of their sweetness, I definitely feel good during the donuts, when the carb/sugar rush hits my bloodstream like a jolt of sugary white lightning, and afterwards, as I recall the sweet joy of the donut, I relive–once again–the bliss of partaking in one of my favorite carbolicious treats.
But I recently learned that I could eat donuts and do a good thing for other people. How?
By going to Hannah’s Treasure Chest on Tuesday, September 27 between 7:30-11:00am for their Donut Drop-In Open House. This event is purely about free donuts… and free coffee… and enlightening all of us Daytonians to the amazing things this organization does for our community.
I had the pleasure of touring Hannah’s Treasure Chest with Leslie Marsh, community relations and marketing coordinator, to get the 411. Read on for donating (and donut!) inspiration!
What are they all about? Hannah’s Treasure Chest helps 6,000 children per year by providing clothing, furniture, and toys to local families in need.
What do they need? HTC accepts all baby, toddler, and children’s items, as well as maternity clothes. High need items include:
- Shoes, all kinds, but especially gym shoes in good condition
- Underwear
- Socks
- Sheets (all sizes)
- Diapers (open packs are okay!)
- Baby equipment (swings, bouncers, potty seats, etc.)
- COATS
What sizes are accepted? Preemie through children’s size 18. (Note: they don’t accept Juniors sizes.)
Do they take toys? Yep.
How about books and games? Double yep. In fact, they have a squadron of amazing volunteers who hand check that all games have the correct pieces. If they don’t, the volunteers stash the extra parts to make complete sets for future game donations that come in. Awesome? I do think so!
How do these items get to needy families? “There’s a big misconception that we’re a thrift store and we’re not,” Leslie said. HTC partners with over 50 local agencies (including Children’s Services and local school districts) to provide care packages of items tailored to each family’s needs. Reps from the different agencies contact HTC, volunteers fill the order, and an agency rep picks up the care package for delivery.
How are families impacted by the care packages? “Quite often, families open up the bag and cry,” Leslie said. I think that about sums it up.
Where can I donate? Now you’re talking! You can donate at their warehouse, located at 124 Westpark Rd in Centerville. They have a drop off bin outside that accepts donations 24/7, which is very handy if you happen to find yourself cleaning out your kid’s closet at midnight (guilty!). You can also drop off items at all local Once Upon A Child stores and other area locations.
I want my own kids to get involved… any ideas? Yes! Leslie suggested having kids host a Sock Hop or Pajama Party, and asking guests to bring an extra clean pair of socks or pajamas to donate. I definitely plan to do this with my own kids!
Wait a minute… wasn’t this post about donuts? You’re right. It was. That’s how I tricked you into reading it. But the donuts are real… you just have to come to Hannah’s Treasure Chest (124 Westpark Rd, Centerville, OH) on Tuesday, September 27 between 7:30-11:00am to get them.
Eat their donuts. Donate. And let the love spread!
Rose Lounsbury is the Dayton, Ohio area’s up-and-coming professional organizer. She also really likes donuts… and donating to good causes. So Hannah’s Treasure Chest is a win-win in her book. After blogging about her own journey toward a minimalist lifestyle, Rose was inspired to start Less, a minimalist-minded professional organizing company. If you’d like Rose’s help with an organizing project at your home or office, please call her at 937-626-9030.
