Make a Kit

Care Kit Editions

Choose a kit edition based on who you want to support. Every item goes directly to a woman or child in need — through our partner organizations.

6 Editions

Pick your edition.

Each edition is designed for a specific need. You can make one or several — any kit you assemble makes a real difference.

Edition 1

Essential Care Kit

Your basic hygiene kit — the foundation of every care drive.

Best for: shelters, women's centers, family support organizations
ItemQuantity
Toothbrush1
Toothpaste1
Soap or body wash1
Shampoo1
Conditioner or 2-in-11
Deodorant1
Cleansing wipes1 pack
Comb or brush1
Socks1 pair
Encouragement card1
Edition 2

Women's Comfort Kit

Focused on dignity and women's specific needs.

Best for: women's shelters, domestic violence recovery, postpartum support
ItemQuantity
Pads or period products1 pack
Deodorant1
Body wash or soap1
Shampoo / conditioner1
Wipes1 pack
Lotion1
Hair ties1 pack
Socks1 pair
Encouragement card1

Optional add-ons: lip balm, travel tissues, small journal, pen

Edition 3

Student Support Kit

Everything a student needs to start the school year ready.

Best for: back-to-school drives, school-based programs, children in shelters
ItemQuantity
Notebook1
Folder1
Pencils2–4
Pens2
Eraser1
Crayons or colored pencils1 pack
Snack1–2
Encouragement card1

Optional add-ons: backpack, glue sticks, ruler, pencil pouch

Edition 4

Child Comfort Kit

For children who need emotional comfort, not just supplies.

Best for: hospitals, children's shelters, family crisis centers
ItemQuantity
Small stuffed animal or comfort item1
Coloring book1
Crayons1 pack
Snack1–2
Toothbrush (child-sized)1
Toothpaste (child-safe)1
Child-safe wipes1 pack
Encouragement card1

For hospital donations: toys must be new and often unopened. Confirm hospital guidelines before collecting.

Edition 5

Family Basics Kit

A household starter kit for families in transition or crisis.

Best for: families leaving shelters, housing instability situations, community drives
ItemQuantity
Toothbrushes2–4
Toothpaste1–2
Soap / body wash1–2
Shampoo / conditioner1 each
Period products1 pack
Shelf-stable snacks3–5
Notebook / pens1 set
Resource card1
Encouragement card1
Edition 6

First Aid & Medical Kit

Basic medical supplies for women and families without access to regular healthcare.

Best for: shelters, healthcare outreach, families in medical need
ItemQuantity
Bandages (assorted)1 box
Gauze pads4–6
Medical tape1 roll
Antiseptic wipes1 pack
Neosporin or antibiotic ointment1
Pain reliever (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)1 bottle
Thermometer1
Feminine hygiene products1 pack
Hand sanitizer1
Encouragement card1

Please do not include prescription medications. All items should be sealed, unused, and within their expiration date.

Donation Guidelines

What we accept — and what to avoid.

All donated items must be new, factory-sealed, and unexpired. When in doubt, follow the rule: if you wouldn't give it to someone you love, don't donate it.

General Rules — applies to everything:
✓  New and unused only ✓  Factory sealed (not repacked or resealed) ✓  Expiration dates must be 60+ days out ✓  Label assembled kits with the edition name ✓  Place complete kits in a clear bag or small box ✓  Remove price tags if possible (optional)
Hygiene

Personal Care Items

ItemSpecifics
ToothbrushAdult or child-sized; any brand
Toothpaste4–6 oz tubes; any brand
Bar soapIndividually wrapped; any size
Body wash8–18 oz; unscented preferred
Shampoo8–32 oz; any hair type
Conditioner / 2-in-18–32 oz
DeodorantStick, roll-on, or spray; women's or unisex; unscented preferred
Cleansing wipesUnscented strongly preferred; fragrance-free required for infant kits
Lotion8–16 oz; unscented preferred
Lip balmAny brand; sealed
Hair tiesMulti-packs; any color
Comb or brushAny style
Pads / period productsRegular, heavy, or overnight; individually wrapped
TamponsRegular or super; applicator style preferred
Panty linersAny brand, sealed pack
Hand sanitizer2 oz or larger; minimum 60% alcohol
Food

Shelf-Stable Snacks Only

AcceptedNotes
Granola barsIndividually wrapped; check exp. date
CrackersSealed packages; any variety
Nut butter packetsSingle-serve squeeze packs
Trail mix / nutsSealed; no open bulk bags
Fruit pouchesShelf-stable; check exp. date
Applesauce cupsPlastic cups, sealed; no glass
Raisins / dried fruitIndividually wrapped boxes preferred
Peanut butter crackersPre-packaged only
Rice cakesSealed package
Protein / meal barsIndividually wrapped

No perishable food, glass containers, homemade food, or items requiring refrigeration. All food must be commercially produced and sealed.

School Supplies

Educational Materials

ItemSpecifics
NotebooksSpiral or composition; any size
FoldersPlastic or cardstock; any color
Pencils#2; sharpened or unsharpened
PensBallpoint; blue or black preferred
ErasersPink block or cap erasers
Crayons8, 16, or 24-count; Crayola or equivalent
Colored pencils12-count or more
MarkersWashable preferred for children under 10
Rulers12-inch; plastic or wood
ScissorsBlunt-tip for children; standard for adults
Glue sticksElmer's or equivalent; any size
BackpacksNew only; any size or style
Pencil pouchesAny style; zipper closure
Children's Items

Toys, Books & Comfort Items

ItemSpecifics
Stuffed animalsNew only; no button eyes for hospital kits; no small detachable parts
Coloring booksAge-appropriate; any theme
Children's booksNew preferred; gently used accepted for non-hospital settings
Small toysNew and sealed in original packaging only
Activity books / puzzlesNew and complete; sealed preferred
Sticker sheetsNew and sealed

For hospital donations: all items must be new and unwrapped, no items with small parts (choking hazard), and no items with button batteries accessible to children. Confirm with the hospital's Child Life Specialist before donating.

Clothing

Socks & Basic Clothing

ItemSpecifics
Socks — adultNew in original packaging only; women's sizes preferred; crew or ankle
Socks — children'sNew in original packaging only; any size
UnderwearNew in original packaging only; women's and children's accepted

We do not accept used clothing of any kind, including gently used. No exceptions. All clothing items must be new and in original packaging.

Medical

First Aid & OTC Items

ItemSpecifics
Adhesive bandagesAssorted sizes; major brand (Band-Aid, Curad, etc.); sealed box
Gauze padsSterile, individually wrapped; 2×2 or 4×4 inch
Medical tapeStandard roll; paper or cloth
Antiseptic wipesIndividually wrapped packets; alcohol or benzalkonium chloride
Antibiotic ointmentNeosporin or equivalent; sealed tube; check exp. date
IbuprofenFactory-sealed bottle; 50ct or more; check exp. date
AcetaminophenFactory-sealed bottle; 50ct or more; check exp. date
Digital thermometerNew in original box; batteries included or noted

No prescription medications, controlled substances, supplements, vitamins, or herbal products. No partially used bottles. All items must be factory sealed with clearly visible expiration dates.

Please do not donate the following
✗  Used, open, or resealed items of any kind ✗  Prescription or controlled medications ✗  Expired food, medicine, or personal care items ✗  Homemade or DIY food and personal care products ✗  Used clothing, bedding, or towels ✗  Perishable food or items requiring refrigeration ✗  Glass containers of any kind ✗  Supplements, vitamins, or herbal remedies ✗  Strongly scented products (for shelter kits) ✗  Used toys, books, or electronics ✗  Items without clearly visible expiration dates ✗  Loose, unlabeled, or bulk-packaged items

Items that don't meet these guidelines will be responsibly disposed of and cannot be redistributed. When in doubt, reach out before donating — we're happy to help.

Ready to Help?

Make a kit and mail it to us.

Assemble any edition above and ship to our address. Fill out the supply donation form so we know your package is coming.

The Women and Children Foundation
PO Box 832
East Lansing, MI 48826-0832