Preble County, Ohio · November 15–21, 2026
A week to act.
A place to call HOME.
Everyone deserves a meal and a safe place to call home. This Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, turn your care for our neighbors into action.
Choose one action. Make a difference.
There’s a way for everyone to help.
Give what you can, gather a group, prepare a meal, or share our mission. Your support helps neighbors in Preble County through Homeless Services, Affordable Housing, and the Senior Home Repair Program.
Mark your calendar
Cold Shelter Donation Drive
Tuesday, November 17
8:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Main Office
111 West Somers Street
Eaton, Ohio 45320
Collect the essentials that help our guests stay warm and cared for this winter.
Bring coats, socks, comfortable clothing, easy-open foods, and other needed supplies. See the list below before you shop.
Drop off at our main office: 111 West Somers Street, Eaton, Ohio 45320. Contact us to coordinate a large delivery.
See what’s needed01 / Give & gather support
Help Make HOME Possible.
A gift supports the work behind a safe place to sleep, essential home repairs for seniors, and affordable places to live. Every gift matters.
Make a gift
Give an amount that works for you. You can also choose a recurring gift through our online donation form to continue supporting neighbors beyond awareness week.
Give TodayPrefer to give by check? Make it payable to Home Is The Foundation and mail it to 111 W. Somers Street, Eaton, OH 45320.
Start your own fundraiser
Invite friends, family, coworkers, or your congregation to support Make HOME Possible through a personal or team fundraiser.
- Choose a goal that feels right for your group.
- Share why safe housing matters to you.
- Invite others to give and celebrate your progress.
Visit the campaign page to start your fundraiser. Contact Lindsay if you need help getting started.
02 / Donate the essentials
Small items. Everyday comfort.
Bring supplies for the November 17 donation drive, or organize a collection at your workplace, school, church, or club. Donations are welcome beyond awareness week, too.
Warmth & clothing
- Coats, sweatpants, and gender-neutral shirts
- Socks, gloves, and hats
- Pillowcases
Food & drinks
- Easy-open protein foods and canned goods
- Peanut butter and meat sticks
- Bottled water and coffee
- Single-serve frozen meals—please coordinate delivery and freezer space first
Please donate unopened, unexpired food. Call ahead about large deliveries, clothing condition, and items not listed.
Host a donation drive
Pick a few needed items, set collection dates, and invite your group to join in. Contact Lindsay before arranging pickup or delivery so we can plan together.
Coordinate a drive →Stock the Little Free Pantry
Help keep shelf-stable food and hygiene items available for neighbors who need them. Individual donations and grab-and-go food or hygiene kits are welcome.
See the November 2026 donation lists →111 W. Somers Street, Eaton, OH 45320
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; closed noon–1 p.m. for lunch.
November 17 donation drive: same main office location, with extended hours of 8:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
03 / Share a meal
Put a warm meal on the table.
Our shelter relies on generous community members, churches, and organizations to provide evening meals. During the cold-weather meal season, plan to feed approximately 15 adults and confirm the count when you sign up.
Cook, order, or team up
Prepare dinner with your family, partner with coworkers, or arrange a meal from a local restaurant. Check the Meal Train for available dates and current instructions before planning your meal.
Before you deliver
- Reserve a date on the Meal Train.
- Confirm the number of guests and any dietary needs.
- Coordinate delivery time and location with shelter staff.
- Ask ahead about freezer space for extra meals.
04 / Give your time & talents
Bring your helping hands.
Help a senior at home
Support the Senior Home Repair Program through yard cleanup, seasonal outdoor tasks, or repair and accessibility projects suited to your skills. Projects and dates depend on current needs.
Explore volunteeringWelcome someone HOME
Help a neighbor moving out of shelter settle into a home with everyday household essentials. Use our November 2026 Welcome Home Kit list below to plan your collection, and ask staff about current needs.
Download Welcome Home Kit Guide (PDF) →Offer comfort & essentials
Pack practical items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, wipes, water, and shelf-stable snacks. Add winter socks, a hat, or gloves and a kind handwritten note.
Download Outreach Care Kit List (PDF) →Make it a team effort
Organize an employee collection, sponsor a shelter meal, volunteer as a group, or consider matching employees’ gifts. Contact us to find a project that fits your team.
Plan a team activity →Updated November 2026
Your donation shopping lists.
Open or download our printable November 2026 guides to share with your family, workplace, church, or group.
Bring one needed item or organize a collection. Please follow the condition notes below and call before donating furniture, appliances, or large loads.
General donations: hygiene, cleaning, household goods & winter needs
Personal care & hygiene
New, full-size products
Band-Aids, tissues, lip balm, wipes, hand sanitizer or hand soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, washcloths, body towels, hairbrushes, lotion, deodorant, nail clippers, razors, shaving cream or gel, mouthwash, toilet paper, and feminine care products.
Cleaning supplies
Unopened products; clean, usable equipment
Multi-purpose cleaner, dish soap, sponges, paper towels, trash bags, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, disinfecting wipes, light bulbs, brooms, dustpans, mops, glass cleaner, cleaning towels, vacuums, toilet brushes, and toilet cleaner.
Household essentials
New or gently used and clean, except where noted
Pots and pans, baking sheets, casserole dishes, mixing bowls, cooking utensils, silverware, dishes, cups, can openers, kitchen towels, dishcloths, oven mitts, small appliances, shower curtains, liners and hooks, bath mats, new plungers, sheets and pillowcases (twin, full, queen), blankets, comforters, new pillows, mattress protectors, hangers, and small lamps or nightlights.
Winter needs & pantry
New or gently used gloves, shoes, coats, winter boots, steel-toe work boots, winter hats, and ponchos. Unopened, unexpired shelf-stable food of any variety.
Furniture & appliances: Working appliances and gently used furniture can help make a house feel like home. Call 937-472-0500 to arrange drop-off or discuss pickup before bringing these items.
Welcome Home Kits: help someone settle into a home
Cleaning & laundry
Toilet bowl cleaner, toilet brush, all-purpose cleaner, mop, broom and dustpan, bucket, sponge, scrub brush, dish soap, dish sponge, paper towels, laundry basket, detergent, and dryer sheets.
Hygiene & bathroom
Shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, soap, comb or brush, toilet paper, bath towels, washcloths, hand soap, shower curtain, and shower curtain hooks.
Bedroom
Sheets, curtains, pillows, and blankets.
Kitchen
Silverware, plates, bowls, cups, can opener, cooking utensils, pots or pans, and small appliances such as a microwave, coffee maker, toaster, or slow cooker.
Check current needs and bedding sizes with staff before shopping. Apply the general donation condition guidelines above.
Outreach Care Kits: practical essentials for someone facing a crisis
Pack items in a drawstring bag, handmade bag, small backpack, reusable grocery bag, or gallon-size resealable plastic bag.
Include Band-Aids, pocket tissues, lip balm, bottled water or a reusable bottle, gum, non-perishable snacks, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, adult toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, small shampoo and conditioner, antibacterial bar soap, washcloth, hairbrush, small lotion, deodorant, nail clippers, disposable razor, small shaving cream or gel, poncho, small laundry detergent, and a handwritten note.
Pack carefully: Put snacks in a separate resealable bag. Double-bag bar soap in a separate resealable bag.
Optional menstrual supplies: Tampons and pads.
Winter additions: Long socks, disposable hand warmers, winter hat, and waterproof gloves.
Summer additions: Bug spray, sunscreen, and a handheld fan or similar item.
For schools, classrooms & youth groups
Small acts. Big impact.
The school packet lists an extended November 14–22 window. The national observance is November 15–21; suggested school activities are November 16–20.
Join in during the school week of November 16–20. Choose a quick kindness activity, a classroom lesson, or a schoolwide service project. No student or family needs to donate to participate.
A week of kindness
- Monday: Everyone Belongs. Wear school colors and create welcoming notes.
- Tuesday: Sock It to Hunger and Homelessness. Wear fun socks; optionally collect new adult socks.
- Wednesday: Warm Hearts. Wear a sweater or cozy colors; optionally collect new hats, gloves, and hand warmers.
- Thursday: Team Up for Change. Wear a team shirt and join a class service project.
- Friday: Home Is Where Kindness Grows. Make encouragement cards and celebrate everyone's participation.
Choose what fits your students
- Younger students: Draw what makes a home, create a kindness paper chain, or decorate a collection box.
- Upper elementary: Assemble care kits, write first-name-only encouragement cards, or graph donated items.
- Middle school: Discuss hypothetical household budgets or create fact-based awareness posters.
- High school: Lead a collection, make an awareness campaign, or ask about a staff speaker and volunteer opportunities.
Keep participation voluntary and respect family privacy. Coordinate collections, deliveries, speakers, age requirements, and supervision with HIT Foundation in advance. Students needing help can speak privately with a school counselor or trusted staff member.
Plan a school activityA few helpful details
Can I help if I can’t give money?
Yes. Share our posts, collect needed items, assemble kits, prepare a meal, or explore volunteer opportunities. Every contribution of time and care matters.
Can my group help on a different date?
Yes. Support is needed throughout the year. Contact us to coordinate a project, meal, collection, or delivery that works for your group.
Should I bring donations to the shelter or the office?
Regular supply donations go to our office at 111 W. Somers Street in Eaton during office hours. The November 17 donation drive is at this same main office location from 8:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. Contact us about large deliveries. Coordinate all meal deliveries directly with shelter staff.
Who can help me get started?
Contact Lindsay Watson at Lindsay@hitfoundation.org or call 937-472-0500. For meal questions, ask for the shelter at extension 422.
One community. A shared commitment.
Together, we can Make HOME Possible.
Choose one way to help this week. Our neighbors need all of us.
Home Is The Foundation · 111 W. Somers Street · Eaton, OH 45320
937-472-0500 · admin@hitfoundation.org