At this year's convention, we'll have the opportunity to inspire others and ourselves with three fulfilling service projects. Learn about them below and find out how you can contribute.
Thank a veteran by donating care package items!
If you or a loved one has ever been in the hospital, you know that it can be a trying time. That’s especially true for veterans in VA hospitals or long-term care facilities. Send your gratitude to all who have served our country by donating care package items during the Optimist International Convention.
Bombas, a clothing company based in New York City, has generously agreed to donate 200 pairs of socks to the initiative. After learning that socks are the most requested item in homeless shelters, the company’s founders decided to donate a pair of socks for every pair they sold, partnering with shelters and nonprofit groups such as Optimist International to distribute anti-microbial, blister-resistant socks to those in need.
Items needed for care packages:
- Hats
- Gloves
- Scarves
- More socks!
- Bottled water (16.9 oz)
- Soft granola bars
- Crackers
- Shelf-stable tuna and chicken packets (not cans)
- Slim Jims
- Cough drops
- Travel-size lotions, body washes, tissues, deodorants, body powders, shampoos
- Hand and foot warmers
- Combs and brushes
- Tooth brushes
- Feminine pads and tampons
- Bar soaps
- Chap stick or lip balm
- Wash cloths
- Band-Aids
- Hand sanitizers
- Single-use wet wipes
Please bring items with you to the registration desk Saturday, July 1, 4-6:30 p.m., or Sunday, July 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Repurpose your old t-shirts into dog toys!
Do you have old t-shirts that you don’t wear anymore? Don’t throw them away! With some scissors and a few minutes, we can turn them into fun and easy dog toys that will make any pup happy.
These dog toys are not only a great way to reuse your old clothes, but also a wonderful way to help out some furry friends in need. We are collecting these homemade dog toys as donations for local shelters, such as Lucky Dog Animal Rescue in Arlington. They rescued over 2500 animals in 2021, and they always need more supplies for their dogs.
If you want to participate in this project, please bring your old t-shirts with you to the convention. We’ll be collecting them at the registration desk on Saturday, July 1, 4-6:30 p.m., or Sunday, July 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
We hope you will join us in this fun and meaningful activity. Your old t-shirts can make a big difference for some lucky dogs!
Help build Little Free Libraries for local communities!
Do you love books and reading? Do you want to share your passion with others and make a difference in your community? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!
We are looking for volunteers to help us build Little Free Libraries, small book-sharing boxes that anyone can access for free. Little Free Libraries are a great way to promote literacy, foster community and celebrate diversity. There are more than 150,000 Little Free Libraries in 115 countries around the world, and we want to add more in the Capital Virginia District area.
The Host Area Committee is providing all the supplies and tools needed to build the libraries. All you need to do is show up and lend a hand, no experience or skills required. You can also bring your own books to donate or swap with others. Children’s books are very popular — and fit with the theme of “bringing out the best in youth” — but any and all books are welcome!
The best part is, this is a project that your Club can take back to your own community! Imagine how many lives you can touch by sharing books and stories with others and how much joy you can spread by creating a place where people can connect and learn from each other.
Want to lend a hand?
If you are interested in sorting items for veterans’ care packages, making dog toys or building Little Free Libraries on Monday, July 3, from noon to 4:30 p.m. (hours subject to change), please email convention@optimist.org.
