Remember those lists you use to make as a child of things you were thankful for on Thanksgiving Day?

For most students they can be very long, as we are all very fortunate. We are being educated and we have people that care about us, whether they are friends, family or both. This year if you find yourself too busy to do one extra “assignment” try turning in some clothes or other gently used items at a shelter this Thanksgiving.

If you have been in Eugene for a while you have noticed all the homeless people that are a characteristic of our town. Many of these people struggle daily to find food, shelter and other necessities.

Here is a list of places where you can donate things, or even volunteer your time. While you may not hear a direct thank you from the people who receive your items, know that you are directly making a difference in somebody’s life.

WomenSpace
WomenSpace is a crisis center and support center for women who have been subjected to physical, emotional, sexual and economical abuse. This “space” provides shelter for women and their children. They work hard to help women’s children go back to school with the supplies they need to succeed (ah the days of crayons and rulers). They are always accepting school supplies, gently used and car seats for children. On top of that they also accept household items, clothing and personal hygiene products. While they have many programs they are all focused around women and their children. If you have a donation for them please call (541) 485-8232.

Eugene Mission
Eugene Mission accepts all types of donations. They accept appliances, household goods, food, furniture and more. The Eugene Mission is a Christian based shelter that provides beds, clothing, meals, childcare, personal care and a gospel message. They also provide a program called, The Life Change Program, that helps many people each year restart their lives and incorporate the message of God in their everyday lives. They also have a program that focuses on recovery from addictions. If you have a donation you can bring it to their offices at 1542 West 1st Avenue, Eugene.

White Bird Clinic
The White Bird Clinic has been serving underprivileged people for over 43 years. You may have seen one of their crisis van’s, CAHOOTS, picking up and assisting people on the streets at anytime of day or night. This is one of their many services. The White Bird Clinic provides homeless shelter, dental services, acupuncture detox mental health counseling and many more services. White Bird Clinic is in desperate need of tarps, clothing, backpacks, blankets and travel size toiletries. The White Bird Clinic is located at 323 E 12th Ave, Eugene.

St. Vincent de Paul-Society of Lane Co.
With 12 retail stores and a car lot all in Eugene St. Vincent de Paul is a large-scale charity that helps thousands of people each year. The closets store to our campus is located at 100 East 11th, Eugene. St. Vincent de Paul has a multitude of services that provide employment for people via their recycling and manufacturing aspect of the charity. They also provide shelters and help connect people with affordable housing for life after shelters. They provide emergency services and help people find jobs. One major aspect of St. Vincent de Paul is their thrift stores. The 12 thrift stores of Oregon all accept donations and in turn sell them and create crafts for sale. All the
profits go back to the charity so they can help the community. These retail stores also provide jobs and job training for many under privileged people in the area. St. Vincent de Paul accepts almost anything. Visit their website here for a comprehensive list of things they accept and where to bring your donations. Some things they accept that might surprise you are single shoes, which they send to amputees and pieces of fabric (used to create something new). If you have any questions or donations, call them at (541) 687-5820 or visit their location on East 11th street.

Each Thanksgiving, or anytime of the year actually we have the opportunity to help one another rise above the curve balls life throws us. The only difference with people who benefit from these amazing charities is that they struggle with basic necessities, while we struggle to stay awake when we are studying for our midterms. Thank you in advance to anyone who donates time, money or items to these astounding charities and happy Thanksgiving.

*All of these places accept monetary donations and most count as a tax write off as well.