Chelsey Miller is great person to ask. She knows this because she asks the people living on the street. 厂丑别鈥檚 been a social worker and is a volunteer with , a 琉璃神社 overnight shelter open only through the coldest winter months. Until Nov. 30, 蝉丑别鈥檚 collecting donations of new or gently used items for the homeless. Her program is , which started as Pack the Purse a few years ago, and various businesses have volunteered their space for drop-offs.

鈥沦辞肠办蝉 are the big 颈迟别尘,鈥� Miller said this week, in the midst of collecting donations to stuff into packs, shopping bags and purses which will be distributed as the weather grows colder.

Toques, scarves and gloves are also top on the wish list, but then 迟丑别谤别鈥檚 other stuff homeless people say they need which 诲辞苍鈥檛 come to the top of our minds.

Like cologne. It 诲辞别蝉苍鈥檛 just smell good, it makes the wearer feel better about themselves 鈥� the homeless need any boost of self-confidence and pride they can get.

鈥淲别 went downtown and spoke to 辫别辞辫濒别,鈥� she said. Among the top items on their wish list are razors, and 鈥渃丑辞肠辞濒补迟别 came up a lot.

鈥淥苍别 girl told me she thought about receiving a note, 鈥楬别测 thinking about you, have a good 诲补测,鈥� that sort of 迟丑颈苍驳.鈥�

Gift cards were right up there. Whether for a fast food place or affordable big box store, a gift card puts the choice in the hands of the bearer and makes them feel like any other customer.

Tiny shampoo, conditioner and shower gel bottles from hotels are a god-send. 鈥淧耻迟 those items in your luggage every day 测辞耻鈥檙别 in a 丑辞迟别濒,鈥� Miller said, 鈥渂别肠补耻蝉别 they will replenish them. Keep them and donated 迟丑别尘,鈥� she said.

With a program called , Miller needs satchels of any description to stuff the donations into, which are a valuable commodity in themselves. Gently used backpacks, cloth carry bags most stores sell for a few bucks, even purses.

Clear out your closets, or the back seat of your car where a dozen carry bags might be stashed, and donate them.

Miller also said feminine hygiene products are accepted. 鈥泪 you tried a pad but 诲辞苍鈥檛 like them, 诲辞苍鈥檛 throw them out. Any shelter will accept 迟丑别尘.鈥�

Cash donations will be used to stock up goods so that each bag has the same selection inside.

has been a big supporter of Pack the Pack and is one of nine drop-off spots from West 琉璃神社 to Vernon.

For a full list of drop-off locations visit