Why These Donations Matter Right Now
Let’s face it—supply chains are tight, budgets are shrinking, and need is rising. What used to be a quick run to a big-box store with donated dollars just doesn’t cut it anymore. After 36+ years helping 5,000+ charities stretch every dollar, I can tell you this: the right product, at the right time, can change—and even save—a life.
Whether you’re a company boosting employee engagement through a meaningful kit-packing event, or a community donor wanting your charitable donations to go further, here are the Top 10 most-requested products across Canada’s charity sector in 2025.
1) Hygiene Kits
Soap, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, wipes—the everyday basics. For someone experiencing homelessness or crisis, a hygiene kit restores dignity, confidence, and well-being.
Pro tip: Build travel-friendly hygiene kits during a lunch-and-learn or team offsite to combine corporate volunteering with real community impact.
2) Menstrual Products
Pads and tampons remain under-donated and essential. Lack of access leads to missed work or school and health challenges.
Pro tip: Add pads to every hygiene kit by default to support menstrual equity.
3) Winter Outerwear
Canadian winters are harsh. Coats, gloves, hats, scarves, thermal wear—every year, demand exceeds supply.
Pro tip: Start sourcing by early fall; focus on inclusive sizing and thermal layers.
4) Sleeping Bags & Blankets
Critical for people without stable housing or in overcapacity shelters. Thermal blankets and compact sleeping bags are most versatile for outreach teams.
5) Backpacks & School Supplies
Every child deserves a confident first day. Backpacks, notebooks, pencils, lunch bags—small items with a big future impact.
Pro tip: Host a Back-to-School kit pack to engage employees and support local schools or newcomer families.
6) Diapers, Formula & Baby Wipes
Diapers are often the first request from families in crisis. Add wipes and formula for a complete Baby Care Kit.
Pro tip: Include rash cream and baby wash—small upgrades with huge comfort.
7) Non-Perishable Food
Shelf-stable items like granola bars, pasta, rice, canned goods, and snack packs are the backbone of emergency food programs—year-round.
8) Basic Clothing (Especially Socks & T-Shirts)
Fresh socks, t-shirts, underwear, hoodies move fastest and disappear first from donation bins.
Pro tip: Prioritize new clothing items for health and dignity.
9) Travel-Sized Toiletries
Mini shampoos, soaps, and lotions are ideal for mobile outreach and people with limited storage. Easy to distribute, highly practical.
10) Household Essentials
For families transitioning out of shelters: dish soap, sponges, garbage bags, paper towels, toilet paper, light cleaning supplies—the unglamorous items that help people truly start over.
Make It a Team Effort: Employee Engagement That Matters
Looking for team-building that actually changes lives? Try a Kits For A Cause event. In 60–90 minutes, your team can assemble hygiene kits, back-to-school kits, survival kits, baby kits, and more—no storage needed, we handle logistics. It’s a turnkey corporate volunteering experience with measurable community impact.
Giving back makes GREAT business sense. Your team will feel it—and so will the people you help.
Stretch Your Budget Further (Free Case of Donations!)
At Bargains Group, Canada’s leading discount wholesaler for nonprofits and purpose-driven organizations, we’re obsessed with helping your budget go further. Through our Full Circle Donation Program, every order includes a free case of donations—because impact should multiply.
How to Start (Simple as 1-2-3)
- Call us: 1-877-868-5655
- Email: [email protected]
- Browse: our deeply discounted, charity-ready inventory at bargainsgroup.com
We’ll help you pick the right products, plan a kit-packing event, and get supplies where they’re needed most—fast.
Quick FAQ
What donations do charities need most in 2025?
Hygiene kits, menstrual products, winter outerwear, sleeping bags/blankets, school supplies, diapers/baby wipes, non-perishable food, basic clothing (socks & tees), travel-sized toiletries, and household essentials.
How can companies boost employee engagement while giving back?
Run a Kits For A Cause kit-packing event. It’s a 60–90 minute activity that creates tangible donations and meaningful team connection.
What’s included in a hygiene kit?
Typically: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, wipes, and sometimes razors, socks, and menstrual products.
Can you help us source and ship nationally?
Yes—Canada-wide (and beyond). We specialize in bulk discounted products and turnkey logistics for charities, schools, and corporate groups.
Final Word
These items aren’t glamorous—but they’re powerful. They say: you matter. If you’ve ever wondered, “What do charities actually need?”—now you know. And we’re here to help you make every donation count.
Let’s make giving back the most powerful thing you do this year.
After all, who doesn’t love a bargain that changes lives?
