When most people think of donating to an orphanage, they think of giving money. While financial donations are always welcome and needed, there are other ways you can help out an orphanage that don't involve handing over cash. Here are ten of the best things you can donate to an orphanage, apart from money.

1. Clothing and Shoes

One of the most basic needs of any human being is clothing. Children in orphanages often come from difficult backgrounds and may not have access to adequate clothing. Donating clothes and shoes is a great way to help ensure that the children in an orphanage have the basic necessities they need.

2. Toys and Books

Toys and books can help provide children in an orphanage with some much-needed fun and distraction. They can also help with cognitive development and education. Look for toys and books that are appropriate for the age group of the children in the orphanage.

3. Hygiene Products

Hygiene products, such as soap, toothpaste, and shampoo, are essential for keeping children healthy and clean. Many orphanages struggle to provide these items for their wards due to limited budgets, so donated hygiene products are always appreciated.

4. Blankets and Linens

Cold nights can be especially tough for children living in an orphanage. Donating blankets and linens is a great way to help keep them warm and comfortable. Just be sure to wash everything before you donate it!

5. School Supplies

Many orphanages also double as schools, so donated school supplies are always needed and appreciated. Pens, pencils, paper, notebooks - anything you can think of will probably be put to good use by the teachers and students at an orphanage school.

6. First Aid Supplies

No one likes getting hurt or falling ill, but it's especially tough when you're a child living in an orphanage with limited resources. First aid supplies, such as bandages, antiseptic cream, painkillers, etc., can help make life a little bit easier for sick or injured children living in an orphanage environment.

7. Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning supplies are always needed in any type of communal living situation - and that includes orphanages! Consider donating mops, buckets, rags, cleaning solutions, etc., to help keep the orphanage clean and habitable for its residents.

8. Non-Perishable Food Items

Food is essential for survival, but many orphanages have difficulty providing enough food for all their wards due to financial constraints. Donating non-perishable food items is a great way to help ensure that the children in an orphanage have enough to eat.

9. Furniture

Furniture is another one of those things that's often taken for granted but that plays a crucial role in our lives - especially for children living in an institutional setting like an orphanage. Consider donating beds, chairs, tables, cupboards - anything that could make life more comfortable for the children living in the facility.

10. Clothes detergent

If you're going to donate clothes , it's also helpful to donate laundry detergent so that the staff at the orphanage can wash them properly . This is just another way you can make life a little bit easier for everyone involved .