Iona works with individuals, families, or businesses who are inspired to sponsor a food or product drive for our older neighbors. Whether during challenging economic times or the holidays, your contributions benefit older adults who may have nowhere else to turn when their finances are tight and they need to purchase food or home necessities. We also always welcome donations of gift cards to drug and grocery stores like CVS, Giant, or Safeway.
Product Drive
Individuals and groups are invited to collect and donate personal-care items for vulnerable older clients. To organize a product drive, contact Tania Sechriest at volunteer@iona.org or (202) 895-9419.
Requested products include:
- Shampoo, conditioner, or bodywash
- Body lotion/cream
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Bar soap
- Men’s and women’s razors, and shaving cream
- Deodorant
- Unopened packages of adult incontinence products (diapers, pull-on briefs, nighttime pads, waterproof pads for beds or chairs, etc.) of all sizes
- Latex gloves, all sizes
- Corn starch baby powder (No talc)
- Combs and hair brushes
- Tall kitchen trash bags
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Foil
- Laundry detergent or pods
- Dishwashing liquid
- Cleaning products — spray bleach, windex, toilet cleaner, etc.
- Small brooms, dustpans, mops, buckets, and dusting cloths
- Sponges for the kitchen or for cleaning
- Light bulbs
- Acrylic baby weight yarn for the Active Wellness Program at St. Alban’s Knitting Circle
Food Drive
Individuals and groups are invited to collect and donate shelf-stable food items for food-insecure older clients. We are also very grateful to receive gift card donations ($10-$25 increments) to grocery or drug stores such as Giant, Safeway, or CVS. For information on donating shelf-stable food items to the pantry, please contact Jakia Muhammad at jmuhammad@iona.org or (202) 895-9408, or Rose Clifford at rclifford@iona.org or (202) 895-0247.
Requested food items include:
- Canned or packet tuna, salmon, and chicken
- Fruit cups and canned fruit (juice packed, no added sugar)
- Dried fruits, such as prunes and apricots
- Canned soups
- Canned beef stew and other shelf-stable entrée items
- Canned vegetables
- Canned beans and baked beans
- Peanut and other nut butters
- Crackers, preferably softer
- Granola and grain/protein bars, preferably softer
- Whole grain hot and cold cereals
