The Ottawa Giving Project
More details for collection sites…
Prior to collecting donations
- Recruit a team of volunteers who are willing to help collect, sort and (if needed) do small repairs or spot clean donated items
- Share the list of acceptable items with your church congregation so that they are clear about what type of donations will and will not be accepted
- Remind the congregation that all items should be washed before dropping off
- Plan for a regular day and time each week when donations can be dropped off
- Plan to have a spot where donations can be left untouched for at least 48 hours after the collection day before sorting happens
Collection of donations (follow OPH guidelines provided)
- If possible plan for a curbside handsfree drop off of donation items
- Store donations for at least 48 hours before sorting through them
- It is best to have a consistent day and time each week when your site will accept items
Sorting/Cleaning of donations (follow OPH guidelines provided)
- Things to check…
- functioning zippers
- no rips or tears
- all closures function properly
- rubber sole connects to boot
- no holes in boots
- laces/Velcro/fasteners in good shape
- inner liner has no sharp edges
- personal hygiene items are unused and in packaging
- spot clean as necessary
- make any small repairs (sew missing buttons, small rips)
- store different types of clothing in separate bags and label outside of bag with what is inside (eg. Kids Coats, Adult Mittens and Gloves, Kids Socks, etc.)
Delivery of donations to depot sites
- ensure that all bags/boxes are labelled with your church name and what items are inside
- ensure that all items to be dropped off are clean
- deliver items to a depot at the designated times:
- The Met – 2176 Prince of Wales Drive – Depot is open on Fridays from 12 to 4pm
- Community Pentecostal Church – 1825 St. Joseph Blvd. – Hours TBD