After The Flames
Practical, hope-restoring and do-able.
Cold weather increases the chances of house fires. Here is what you can do for a family whose house goes up in flames to help them make it safely and comfortably through the immediate days following their loss:
1. New socks, underwear and clothing. But unless the fire survivor is someone close to you — like your sister — don’t buy clothes for them or give them your used shirts, sweaters and pants. It can be overwhelming to get loads of clothes in random sizes. Gifts cards really help here.
2. Toiletries. In the immediate aftermath of a fire, survivors need personal hygiene essentials. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products and headache medication. *Ask Towels for Tears to provide this.
3. Seasonal necessities. Is it rainy, snowy or bitter cold?
4. Healthy food. Steer clear of items that need refrigeration. Gift cards to grocery stores or restaurants help a lot.
5. Toys and books for the kids.
One thing to keep in mind: Donations, especially of large items such as appliances, electronics or furniture, can end up creating extra work for the overwhelmed fire survivors who have to sort through and figure out what to do with them or find a place to store them until they’re ready to move into temporary or new permanent housing.
*Towels for Tears steps in to provide toiletries with 24 hours and then provides essential personal, bed and bath necessities for everyone when the family moves into temporary or new permanent housing.
Special Highlight!
A heartfelt thank you to our corporate partner Power Home Remodeling for their awesome and generous donations of hygiene, bedding and bath items! Their annual Thanksgiving drive is a true testament of serving the community so many individuals and families in need will be blessed!
Did You Know?
There were at least 699 family households experiencing homelessness in Maryland in 2018. Another 660 families in Virginia and 924 families in D.C.*
Families experiencing homelessness are similar to other families, but without a home to live in. They have the same needs as you and I. That’s where non-profits like Towels for Tears steps in to help.
Towels for Tears was founded in 2018 for the purpose of loving and helping those who are hurting. They’ve been positively impact the lives of those starting over from traumatic and life changing circumstances through the delivery of every day necessities. Bed linens, towels, comforters, personal hygiene provided free of charge provide comfort and hope to families in their time of need.
You CAN help the hurting. Please consider donating or supporting Towels for Tears as they continue to be love in action and bring comfort to the hurting.
* According to United States Interagency Council of Homelessness. https://www.usich.gov/homelessness-statistics/dc
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