Hi there! :)
There are so many questions about the project that we decided to write this note with frequently asked questions. We hope it is useful to you all! We are immensely grateful for your desire to help… You are amazing!

1. HOW DID IT ALL START?

Mini Kindness is a project from Argilando*, a Brazilian non-governmental organization that aims to promote volunteer work. We came to US with the help of people interested in expanding the reach of the project and helping more people.
* Maybe you want to know: the original name of the project, in Portuguese, is “Mini Gentileza” and “Argilando” translates loosely to “Claying”.

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2. HOW DOES IT WORK?

A: Our process is very simple: We collect the toiletries in voluntary Collection Sites and forward them to institutions/initiatives (our Kind-Partner) that are already offering some kind of support to homeless people. We realize the resources are limited to those organizations taking soup, coffee and blankets to the streets, right? What if they didn’t have to spend any more money to distribute toiletries? What if another institution could provide those items so they could focus on food/blankets? That’s how Mini Kindness started, to help those who are already helping others.

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3. WHERE DO I TAKE MY DONATION?

​A: All Collection Sites are kept listed and updated in the pinned post at our page. are kept listed and updated in the pinned post at our page. Click here to check them out!

 

4. I WANT TO HELP! WHAT CAN I DO?

A: Helping with donations of toiletries is DEFINITELY the most important part. Furthermore, ADVERTISE allows the initiative to keep going. Mini Kindness’ work is simple: the Collection Sites count and deliver the toiletries to our partners. Who actually does the heavy work are the institutions and initiatives tending to the homeless, delivering to those in need. If you are interested in helping them, contact the Kind-Partner near you, they are listed in the city’s note.

 

 

5. I WANT TO COLLECT DONATIONS TO MINI KINDNESS. MAY I?

A: YES! Those are the Kindness in a Box. Send us an e-mail to learn everything you need.

 

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6. MAY I DONATE CLOTHES, BLANKETS AND OTHER ITEMS BESIDES TOILETRIES?
A: We know there is a great need to donate other items to the homeless friends, but the logistics required would be too great for us to manage. For that reason, we cannot accept those donations, ok? How about contacting directly the institutions working with the homeless community? Or even get a group of friends together and start a campaign to collect and distribute those items? We appreciate the courtesy of delivering ONLY TOILETRIES at our collection sites.

* - No município do Rio de Janeiro, são aceitas outros tipos de doação através do projeto Banco de Doações. Nesse caso, as doações serão aceitas APENAS na sede Argilando (Tijuca), mediante agendamento pelo facebook (/argilandoong) ou e-mail contato@argilando.org 

 

7. WHY DOES MINI KINDNESS HELP ONLY THE HOMELESS COMMUNITY?

A: Our focus is the population living on the streets. We understand and admire the idea of taking the toiletries to others in need, however it is not our purpose. Inside the Mini Kindness Project it is important the beneficiary to be the homeless community.

 

8. DO THE TOILETRIES PRODUCTS EXPIRE?

A: Only products in use conditions and before expiration date are donated. You sorting them out before donating will be a big help to our collection sites and the institutions/initiatives, responsible for sorting after delivery.

 

9. I DON’T HAVE MANY ITEMS. IS IT WORTH DONATING?

A: It sure is! Our campaigns will last as long as there are people in need. Our Kind-Partner work regularly with people living on the streets. Therefore, every time you have travel size toiletries, send them our way and we can improve the hygiene kits for them. Any amount of donation is VERY WELCOME.

 

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10. BUT WHERE DO THEY SHOWER?
A: They go to places that not always have toiletries available, like public bathrooms, social organizations, inexpensive places or even public fountain.

 

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11. DO YOU ACCEPT ONLY TRAVEL SIZE ITEMS?
A: Other hygiene items are also very welcome. There is always need of toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, tampons and deodorant. If you are interested in donating any one of these items, we guarantee they’ll be very useful. You can also contact directly our Kind-Partner to know if they have any other needs.