Things The Texarkana Shelter And Food Bank Need But Rarely Get

It's the season of giving, presents and all that stuff, but if you want to help someone who really needs the help, then think about donating to our shelter downtown and our local food bank.

There are actually quite a few things that both charities need but seldom ask for directly.

Jennifer Laurent, Executive Director at Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter, said the shelter is always in need of particular items.

"We are always in need of H.E. (high efficiency) laundry detergent. Very few people realize the amount of detergent we use. Other things that no one thinks about us needing are over-the-counter meds like Tylenol, Advil, aspirin, allergy meds, Tums, BAND-AIDS, peroxide, rubbing alcohol, etc. We do love hotel toiletries as well. Chapstick is also often requested. The Mardi Bras event usually takes care of feminine hygiene needs for us now," she said.

You may drop off any of these items for Randy Sams residents at 402 Oak Street in Texarkana, Texas 75501.

Camille Wrinkle, Executive Director at Harvest Regional Food Bank, told us some items are in high demand at the food bank and you may not realize it. But if you’re looking for an way to help out, pick some of these up while shopping and drop them off at Harvest Regional Food Bank at 3120 E. 19th St. in Texarkana, Ark., 71854.

• Depends – Adult Diapers
• Formula
• Cereal
• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Toiletries
• Canned Meats
• Jerky
• Baby Toiletries
• Canned Entrees
• Condiments
• Sliced Bread