Ways to Give to RESPOND

Each year, RESPOND serves over 300 women and children in our shelter and through our community program with the help of our supporters. Our donors give in numerous ways. Many provide essentials to RESPOND women and children—some who have fled a violent situation with little more than a garbage bag with their most precious possessions. These items are really basic necessities, helping families cope during their first days in shelter or during their transition to more permanent housing.

We have, at the request of our supporters, generated a list of ideas that might help you to help us. We welcome suggestions and feedback. We would also love to participate in your event if possible! Please let us know what you are planning.

Participating in the milestones of your life

Baby Shower

No doubt this is an important time in your life. One way to ask friends to give to RESPOND is by asking them to bring a second modest gift for a baby who is starting their first days with us. Some ideas include the following: a onesie, baby socks, baby bottles, a receiving blanket, baby wipes, disposable diapers, or a $10 gift card to a store such as Target.

Wedding or Wedding Shower

Many more couples are including charitable organizations in their plans. Some ask guests to contribute directly to RESPOND. Others give a gift after the wedding. Others register at stores that donate a portion of goods purchased to RESPOND (at no extra cost). For more information on philanthropy and weddings, see www.idofoundaiton.org .

Birthday Party

For kids or adults

Today, many ask their guests not to bring gifts to parties—yet, no one wants to arrive empty handed! So, why not ask your guests to bring a gift for a woman in shelter? You could ask each guest to assemble a shelter welcome bag which would include the following: Toothbrushes (2); Floss; Toothpaste; Soap (2 bars); Shampoo; Conditioner; Deodorant; Lotion; and nailclippers. Kids can do the same for a friends their age by just modifying each item to be age appropriate.

House warming

Having a house warming? There are a few essentials that we always need for our home. Suggested items include twin sheet sets, bath and face towels, dishwasher/microwave-safe sturdy bowls and plates; and sturdy flatware.

Tax Refunds

Teen friendly too!

Did you know that the average federal tax refund is $2,436? Many people see their refunds as extra money. Talk to your friends, civic organization or religious organization about how even a portion of this could help the RESPOND community. Use this as an opportunity to talk to your teenager about money and values.

Ongoing RESPOND initiatives that need your help

Holiday Wish List

Teen and kid friendly

Each year we compile a wish list for children in shelter and in the community who might not receive what is on their list without our help! Individuals, families, corporations, and institutions fill wish lists and brighten the season for women and children. Consider involving your kids by having them shop for a child. It's a fun, very personal way to introduce them to philanthropy. Visit our website ( www.respondinc.org ) near the holidays for more information.

Gala Auction

Each year we hold a silent auction at our gala in October. The Silent Auction is the major fund raiser of this event. You can ask your favorite restaurant, health club, hair salon, clothing store, and ice cream shop to donate gift certificates. If you (or someone you know) owns a retail store, you might donate an item. Do you have seasons tickets to the Red Sox, the Patriots, the Symphony? Do you have a great summer home on the Cape or a great winter escape in the mountains? Vacations get-aways are always excellent auction items. We are happy to help in a solicitation with an email, fax, or mailed request.

Recycling Used Cell Phones

Have you upgraded your cell phone recently? RESPOND participates in a national program through Shelter Alliance. Our donors give us their used cell phones, we send them to Shelter Alliance for refurbishing or recycling, and they make a contribution to RESPOND based on the value of the phones. It's a great way to support RESPOND while being kind to the environment. Note : RESPOND distributes fully equipped 911 emergency cell phones to women thanks to the Verizon Wireless Hope Line Program.

We are continually amazed at the great fundraising ideas donors come up with. Here are just a few:

•  A local yoga studio sponsored a “give it up” month; participants chose one luxury item (such as the morning cappuccino) to give up and donated their savings to RESPOND.

•  A collaborating agency told a story about a young woman who asked each of her Bat Mitzvah guests to bring an umbrella which would be given to a shelter guest.

•  Each year, a local elementary school collects Halloween candy for the children living in shelter at RESPOND.

•  Our law firm organizes a back-to-school drive for back-packs, school supplies, and fall clothes every August.

•  A Girl Scout troop collected groceries for RESPOND's food pantry.

•  A 9-year old girl had a birthday party at Build-a-Bear; each party guest donated their handmade bear to a child at RESPOND's shelter.

 For more information about giving to RESPOND, please contact Daniele Levine,

Director of Development, at 617-625-5996, ext. 254 or danielel@respondinc.org .