“You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.”
John Wooden

Program Start (May 2008) To Date: 54,512 “Big 8″ Items Distributed & An Estimated “All” Product Value of $3 Million.

(“Big 8″ Items:  Sleeping Bags, Sleeping Bag Pads, Tents/Tarps, Backpacks, Day Packs, Coats, Footwear, & Blankets)

Mission:

Homeless Gear collects unwanted outdoor gear, essential and basic outdoor clothing, non perishable food and hygiene products and distributes these items to the homeless.  While many of the things we collect are outdoor activity (hiking, camping, backpacking) ”gear” oriented we also need many things that are common to any household.

For information on where to take your donation please call Eileen at 970-587-3556 or email Eileen@HomelessGear.org.

We are specifically looking for all the items below.  As you scroll down the list items underlined and in bold print represent the “top 20″ most needed items.

Outdoor Gear Items: (Please note that for safety and/or environmental concerns we do not collect or distribute any flammable items such as stoves, lanterns, etc. or knives of any kind).

• Backpacks
• Daypacks
• Sleeping Bags
• Sleeping Bag Pads
• Portable Shelters
  • Tents (small 1-3 person)
  • Tarps (small)
• Cots
• Stuff Sacks
• Emergency “Space” Blankets
• Hand & Foot Warmers
• Water Bottles (Nalgene Type)
• Flashlights or Headlamps
• Battery Powered (Small) Alarm Clocks
• Camping/Backpacking “Mess” Kits
• Sunglasses
• Bike Locks

Essential Clothing Items: (Please note that while we are appreciative that you might have other items of clothing to donate we are only able to accept the items listed below.  We are trying to focus on meeting the essential core needs to help these folks deal with the elements).

• Coats (No Dress Coats Please)
  • Winter
  • Rain Coats or Rain Ponchos
• Hoodies (Sweatshirts with Hoods)
• Sweatshirts (No Sweaters Please)
• Hats
  • Summer
  • Winter
• Winter Gloves
• Footwear:
  • Hiking Boots
  • Tennis Shoes
  • Winter Boots (Please, no snowboard or ski boots)
• Socks New only please on summer socks but “reasonably used” is OK on winter socks.
• Women’s Purses & Handbags (functional for everyday use)
• Belts
• Pants:
  • Jeans
  • Sweatpants
• Underwear:
  • Summer (New Please)
  • Thermals (Tops and Bottoms)

Common Household Items:

• Blankets
• Ear Plugs
• Insect Repellant
• Sunscreen
• First Aid Kits and Supplies
• Batteries
• Personal Hygiene Items:
  • Disposable Razors
  • Shaving Cream
  • Deodorant
  • Combs/Brushes (new)
  • Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Hand Sanitizer
• Bath Towels
• Washcloths
• Duct Tape
• Small Sewing Kits
• Shoe Insoles
• Foot Powder

Non Perishable Food Items:

If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.  ~Mother Teresa

Items in Red are highest need:

• Granola Bars
• Raisins
• Oatmeal or other Instant Hot Cereal
• Juice Box, Gatorade, Capri Suns, Bottled Water
• Cereal Snack Boxes & Powdered Milk (Individual size)
• Fruit Roll Ups or Fruit Snacks
• Peanut Butter Crackers
• Jerky
• Trail Mix
• Nuts
• Fruit Cups
• Pudding Cups
• Hot Chocolate Packets (just add water)
• Cup-A-Noodles
• Instant Soups
• Instant Mac and Cheese

Children In Need Program

Homeless Gear started a program called Children In Need to specifically address the needs of homeless Children and their families.  The list below reflects household items, clothing, and hygiene products that are needed to support the children and families we serve.

• Just For Baby:
  Baby Bibs
  Diapers & Pull-ups
  Baby Wipes
  Baby Blankets & Quilts
  Personal Hygiene Items for Baby (Shampoo, Lotion)
• Family Personal Hygiene:
  Soap
  Shampoo & Conditioner
  Disposable Razors
  Shaving Cream
  Lotion
  Deodorant
  Feminine Hygiene Products
• Children’s Clothing (Newborn to Youth size 16):
  Coats (winter)
  Snow Pants or Ski Bibs
  Jackets (spring or summer)
  Rain Jackets, Rain Pants & Rain Ponchos
  Hoodies (Sweatshirts with Hoods)
  Hats, Scarves, Gloves
  Boots (snow and hiking)
  Tennis Shoes
  Socks (New only please on summer socks and “resonably used” is OK on winter socks.
  Underwear (New)