If you support your local food bank, you can also ask if they are looking for non-food-related items to help the people that they serve. Often, personal hygiene products are an in-demand item that aren't in stock to give. These items include toilet paper, soap (shampoo and body wash), diapers, toothpaste and laundry detergent. The reason they are in demand is that these items often are not covered by government assistance programs. If your local food bank needs these, be sure to buy them new and leave the seal intact; anything opened or used will be tossed away.
ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION