SOS Richmond is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. 
​Donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Our EIN is 86-2836343.

Scroll down for tips on running a drive.

BLESSING BAGS DRIVE
This is a fantastic family activity but can be done solo or with any group. It provides an opportunity to consider and discuss what others are experiencing and how we all have a place in the community of care.  The Warm Hand Wellness & Resource Center is a low-barrier, peer-driven wellness center at Safe Harbour.

SOS engagement team members reach out to unhoused residents who haven’t yet received services. When folks come in, we welcome them with a personal touch - blessing bags! Through Blessing Bags, YOU can offer the community’s generosity and a personal touch to let someone know that you care!

Here are a few Blessing Bag ideas: small first aid kits, solar-powered lights, power banks (for cell phones), hand sanitizer, rain ponchos, ready-to-eat food items, canned protein, thermal survival blankets, socks, beanies, gloves, hand warmers, batteries, towels, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, can openers, razors, shaving cream, a single $5 maximum Visa gift card or Krispy Krunchy Chicken gift card, and baby wipes.

Download and print the instruction flyer, collect materials, gather your team, and create!
blessing_bag_flyer.pdf
File Size: 2651 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
TIPS FOR RUNNING A DRIVE 
Thank you so much for wanting to support our unhoused neighbors. Here are some helpful tips to make your drive successful, meaningful, and easy to run:
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1. Start With Education
Students and families engage more when they understand why the drive matters.
Share a few key points:
  • Many of our unhoused neighbors live in unsafe, unstable environments.
  • Essential items like socks, water, wipes, and warmth literally keep people alive.
  • SOS Richmond distributes gear directly through peer-led outreach teams who meet people where they are.
Make an announcement through email, flyers, or a presentation.

2. Set Clear Collection Goals
Make it concrete and fun:
  • “Let’s collect 200 pairs of socks!”
  • “Let’s fill 10 big bins with winter gear!”
  • Or create a simple challenge with a start and end date
Clear goals = better participation.

3. Share Our Most Needed Items
Check with SOS Richmond for the particular drive. 

4. Make Collection Easy
  • Put labeled bins in high-traffic areas
  • Hang flyers on the bins so that they are well-marked

5. Promote, Promote, Promote
Use:
  • Newsletters
  • Posted flyers
  • Social media
  • Leadership groups
  • A kickoff day + a final push day
The more reminders people see, the better the turnout.

6. Involve People in the Mission
You can:
  • Invite folks to help sort and transport items
  • Have people write encouraging notes to include with gear
  • Encourage folks to share with their network 
This makes the drive about more than donations—it becomes an experience.

7. Coordinate Drop-Off With Us
We can arrange:
  • A scheduled drop-off at The Warm Hand Wellness Center
  • A photo/thank-you moment to celebrate the impact

8. Celebrate the Impact
Share back with the community:
  • A photo of the collected gear
  • A thank-you from SOS Richmond
  • A short story or stat about how gear was collected
People feel great when they see the real-time results of their kindness.

If you'd like, we can also provide:
  • Flyers
  • Email content
  • A short educational blurb about homelessness
  • A quote from one of our peer specialists
  • Our branded logos for posters
​For additional information or support, email [email protected].

Download a PDF of these tips. 
tips_for_running_a_drive.pdf
File Size: 105 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
SURVIVAL GEAR DRIVE
Want to create a survival gear drive with your work, school, church or other social groups? This gear drive helps people survive while living outdoors until they qualify for housing. If folks lose possessions in sweeps, these items can mean the difference between life and death.  Survival gear is particularly critical during the rainy season and winter. Here are the most needed items: tents, sleeping bags, blankets, tarps, 5 gallon water containers, lanterns, flashlights and batteries, towels, and warm clothing (jackets, gloves, hats, and socks). 

Download and print the flyer, then put out bins with flyer attached. Voila! A drive with maximum impact. 
survival_gear_drive.pdf
File Size: 2197 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
TOWEL DRIVE
Want to create a towel drive with your work, school, church or other social groups? This very simple drive asks for just one thing - towels.

Download and print the flyer, then put out bins with the flyer attached. 
towel_drive_flyer.pdf
File Size: 11301 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
REQUEST IN-KIND DONATIONS ON OUR BEHALF
Businesses and organizations want to give—they just need someone to ask.

That’s where you come in. You can help secure the critical supplies our unhoused neighbors need by reaching out for in-kind donations. Whether it’s food, clothing, work gear, hygiene kits, or other essentials, your outreach brings real resources to people working to rebuild their lives.
Drop off from 9 AM - 10 AM Monday-Saturday at 32 Harbour Way in Richmond or call the Neighbor Care Line for an appointment. Click Guest Media Guidelines for information on how you can participate in our ethical media practices. ​