Connecting with social workers

Search online: You will find the big agencies to get you started.

Visit the agencies: This was the easiest part of begining the Wish for me because everybody loves free stuff. In the early days I even delivered it to the agencies so I made friends fast and got to see the working environment. I highly recommend that you visit the agencies rather than just call.  You need to see how they work to understand why they do not have room or time to manage goods even though their clients are desperate for them.

Ask lots of questions:  Providing only what people need, the way they need it, when they need it means understanding all of those things.  In congregate shelters they use shampoo in small squirts where as in transitional living apartments, each family needs a bottle to get them through the month.

Write it down: Start a database of agencies with all social worker contact information so you can quickly send a Caseworker Email when you have to suddenly find a home for hundreds of pillows or size 2 diapers (for example).

Volunteer: Food pantries are easy to find. Volunteer in one to make connections. They tend to know the client needs in that area that are not being met well. Many hand out diapers, baby food, clothing, maybe even books, toys and Christmas gifts. They all have their own way of working.   Food banks are NOT food pantries. It is very worthwhile to visit a food bank if you can since you are trying to start a Goods-Bank.  What we do is similar except that we actually do work directly with clients to hand out goods. It is worth the education though to find out about pallet racking, gaylord boxes, forklifts and other things you will need one day in the future.