How Can I Help The Shelter

Summer Outreach Needs List

Summer Outreach started May 2 and goes through October 14.  Can you help support programing?

Updated 5/19/22

  • Regular Coffee (no decaf please)
  • $10 Fast Food Gift Cards
  • Bus Tokens
  • Sleeping Bags
  • Ramen Noodle Meals
  • Bottled Water

Any clothing donations need to be preapproved due to very limited storage space.

Email chris@daybydayshelter.org or call 920-203-4536

​

Donation Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
​Please call Chris at 920-203-4536 or email chris@daybydayshelter.org with questions.​​

Donations

Donations can be dropped off at the Day By Day Warming Shelter, 449 High Ave., Oshkosh, WI. Please call ahead to schedule a drop off time. Please fill out a donation form, which assists us with IRS reporting requirements.

For immediate needs or any other inquiries please call the shelter at 920-203-4536. 

Check out our Amazon list for easy access to our needs list. Our list is just a guideline. If you would like to purchase a different brand or amount, feel free.

Amazon List

​​Wish List

​

Monetary donations are the most useful, but Day By Day Warming Shelter is currently in need of the following items for the next season:

Kitchen

  • 33+ gallon black garbage bags (use about 1000 bags per season) – Currently Fulfilled

  • Paper towels (use about 300 rolls per season)

  • Paper bowls – Currently Fulfilled

  • Plastic Forks, spoons, and knives

  • 54 cup coffee maker (1-2) – Currently fulfilled

  • Food Service Gloves (polyethylene/thin disposable)(about 100 boxes of 100 gloves)

  • Styrofoam Cups (2000 cups per season) 

  • Paper Plates-Sturdy

  • To Go Food Bags

    • Juice boxes (need about 600 individual/single juice boxes/cans)

    • Fruit Cups/Applesauce Cups (about 600 individual/single snack cups)

    • Granola Bars- soft & chewy bars please

    • Hardboiled Eggs (50-100 of each per month) 

  • Coffee (No Decaf Please) Cans (20 cans)-

  • Dry Coffee Creamer (25 cans) 

  • Instant Oatmeal (variety flavors: 50 boxes) – Currently fulfilled

  • Hot Chocolate Packets/Apple Cider Packets/Tea Bags (variety: 50 boxes) –Currently fulfilled

  • Sugar (5 lb packages and individual packets) – Currently fulfilled

  • Salt & Pepper (refills or packets) – Currently fulfilled

  • Peanut Butter and Jelly (15 jars of each)

Shelter Guest Needs
  • Adhesive Full Boot or Toe Warmers (as many as possible)
  • Ear Plugs (without the cord) (about 1000 pairs) – Currently fulfilled
  • Chapstick (100 sticks)
    Hygiene and Clothing Items Needed

    • Toilet Paper – Currently fulfilled

    • Facial Tissues (personal size packs and full size boxes – Currently fulfilled

    • Insulated Winter gloves (100 pairs plus)

    • Warm Winter Hats (100+) – Currently fulfilled

    • Sleeping Bags

    • Deodorant men and women (200 sticks) – Currently fulfilled

    • Men’s and Women’s long underwear (about 50 of each in various sizes)

    • Men’s and Women’s underwear (about 50 of each in various sizes)

    • Body Wash (men’s and women’s)

    • Disposable Razors (1000 razors: men’s and women’s)

    • Shaving Cream men’s and women’s (50 cans)

    • Individual Nail Manicure Sets

    • Hair Brushes

    • Men’s Combs-New (about 100) – Currently fulfilled

    • Back packs – Currently fulfilled

    • Flip Flops (Used for shower shoes) (200 pairs: men’s and women’s in various sizes) –Currently fulfilled

    • Vinyl gloves (medical gloves/Med/Large/non-powdered) (about 50 boxes of 100) – Currently fulfilled

    • Hand Sanitizer (20 large bottles) – Currently fulfilled

      Cleaning Supplies

      • Toilet Bowl Cleaner (100 bottles per season) – Currently fulfilled

      • Bathroom Antibacterial Spray Cleaner (100 bottles per season) – Currently fulfilled

      • Floor Cleaner (100 bottles per season)

      • Mesh Laundry Bags (50 bags)

      • Anti-bacterial Multi-surface Cleaner (100 bottles per season) – Currently fulfilled

      • Empty Spray bottles (about 25) – Currently fulfilled

      • Urinal Scent blocks (15 boxes of 25)

      • Two new medium mops (we already have buckets) – Currently fulfilled

      • Spray Air Fresheners (25 canisters)

      • Bleach – Currently fulfilled

      • Laundry Detergent 

      • Dryer Sheets 

        Shelter Needs

        • Twin vinyl, waterproof mattresses  (call in advance for specific measurements: 25 needed) –Currently fulfilled

        Gift Cards and Tokens for Guests
        • Bus tokens/vouchers/passes – ongoing need
        • Gift Cards for Hardees/Burger King/McDonalds.
        • $25 Walmart gift cards- For case management purposes, in case guests need to buy items for work such as steel-toed boots, tools, safety glasses, etc.

          Did you know…?

          ​

          Day By Day Warming Shelter has a 25 bed capacity. Some evenings, we have to turn guests away when we have already reached capacity. On these evenings, we like to give each guest a blanket or sleeping bag and a gift card for a local fast food restaurant.

          Because we ask our meal volunteers to prepare food for 30-35 people, we cannot allow additional guests to eat and leave for the night. The gift cards ensure that those turned away will be able to eat a warm evening meal. 

          Bus token, vouchers, and passes are a crucial need for our guests. Access to public transportation allows guests to get to work, doctor’s appointments, job interviews, and other local resources.

           

          Insulated hats & gloves are our most highly used item during our operating season. These are especially critical on the coldest winter days. Guests are able to take what they need to make it through the cold winter days.

          These are also used when we are at capacity and have to turn away guests. We want them to be equipped as much as possible.

          Other high frequency items include paper towel, breakfast bag items, and 33+ gallon garbage bags. 

           

          In Honor/Memory Of

          Each year Day by Day receives so many wonderful gifts either in honor of or in memory of loved ones. We want to honor those individuals on this page. Thank you to all of the families and friends who have given to us. We truly appreciate the gift of helping your loved ones legacy live on by helping others. 

          ​2022

          In honor of Denise Robson and Sean Butler
          Many generous donations in memory of Dorothy Jungwirth
          In Memory of Bob Cairns, Sr.
          In memory of Modonna Tinker
          In memory of Marilyn Dahl

          2021

          In memory of Barbara Jean Baker
          In memory of Angie Schaefer
          In memory of Nina Leib
          In honor of 57th Wedding Anniversary for Pastor & Mrs. M. Dismer
          In honor of Pat Kufel-Ebben
          Many generous donations in memory of David Hayford
          In memory of Tom Walter
          In memory of Loretta Hoversten
          In memory of Grace Sawyer
          Many generous donations in memory of Robert R. Swan
          In memory of Peggy Bostwick
          In memory of Beth Heuer
          Many generous donations in memory of Adam Rehm
          In loving memory of David and Irene Alice Luebke
          In memory of Andy Schweda
          In memory of Betty and Bob Burns
          In memory of Ruth and Ray Scharpf
          In memory of Carol Brown
          In memory of Lou Palmeri
          In honor of the birthdays of:
          Jim Osborn, Jim Krueger, and Michael Belongie
          In honor of Keaton D Reissmann and Hannah-Rain E Reissmann
          In honor of Kris and Bob Baumgarter
          In memory of Rev. and Lillian ER Rapp
          In memory of Sara Scherer
          In honor of James & Verena Paulson
          In honor of Rev. Deb Swets
          In honor of Kristin Duda
          In honor of Judy Grota
          In honor of Maddie Conley and Day by Day Staff & Volunteers
          In honor of Greg Courchene
          In honor of Matt Wirth
          In honor of Glenn & Karen Wilhelm
          In honor of Joyce Burton

          ​

          Can you lend a hand?

          Volunteers are an essential part of our team. Last year,
          563 people logged over 5,000 hours of service. Volunteers serve a variety of roles, including:

          ​

          Meal Teams

          Meal teams prepare an evening meal for 30-35 people (guests, staff and volunteers). Meals must be prepared outside of the shelter and brought in ready to serve.

          Meal teams arrive at 5:30 PM to set-up.

          Interested in becoming a meal team or receiving more information? Attend one of our orientations, sign up below!

          idk.jpg

          Hospitality Volunteer (PM Shift)

          (October 15-April 15)

          ​Hospitality volunteers engage with the guests and assist the staff with shelter operations. Volunteers on the PM shift (5:30 to 8:30 PM) check-in guests, manage the sign-in log, monitor the shower schedule, assist with laundry, and complete other tasks as needed.

          Interested in becoming a hospitality volunteer or receiving more information? Attend one of our orientations, sign up below! 

          ​​

          Hospitality Volunteer (AM Shift)

          (October 15-April 15)

          Hospitality volunteers engage with the guests and assist the staff with shelter operations. Volunteers on the AM shift (7:00 to 8:00 AM) assemble breakfast bags, take food inventory, complete remaining laundry, wash breakfast dishes, clean the kitchen, and complete other tasks as needed. 

          Interested in becoming a hospitality volunteer or receiving more information? Attend one of our orientations, sign up below! 

           

          Summer Outreach 2022

          (May 2 – September 29)

          Day by Day will be open for Summer Outreach May 2-September 29 for Guests to work towards goals with Programming Staff and also receive services such as laundry, showers, clothing and snacks.  Summer Outreach Hospitality volunteers will assist staff with Guest check-in, Guest and shelter laundry, general cleaning, donation sorting, and serving snacks and light lunch provided at the shelter.  Volunteer opportunities are available Monday – Thursday 10:00am – 2:00pm.  It is not a requirement to commit to the entire shift – any time you can spend with us is very much appreciated!  If you are interested in Volunteering, please contact chris@daybydayshelter.org for more information.

           

          Season 11 2021-2022

          Hospitality and Meal Team Volunteer Orientations

          All volunteers must be age 18 or older.   Youth may volunteer in the shelter if accompanied by an adult.  New volunteers are required to attend an orientation session prior to their first shift.  Orientations will cover volunteer duties, information about our agency, a shelter tour.
          All orientations will be held at 449 High Ave.

          New Volunteer Orientation Dates:

          Summer 2022 Volunteer Orientations will be held as needed. Please contact chris@daybydayshelter.org to schedule a time for Orientation.

          Volunteer applications and confidentiality forms are available online!

          Please print, fill out, and bring with you to your volunteer orientation. 

          Volunteer Application
          Confidentiality Form
          Meal Team Facts and Questions

          Returning volunteer?

          Please email chris@daybydayshelter.org for access to volunteer calendars or if you would like a Volunteer Refresher Orientation.