I am a new PHN for a county that has a limited budget (doesn't everything these days...). I am in the department of field nursing and have seen a real need in my clients for sunscreen for their kiddos. I have seen enough pink heads and cheeks that I have begun seeking donations of sunscreen. The clients I serve do not have sufficient funds to keep food on their tables and thus sunscreen has taken a low priority. I have been looking at the big corporations (thinking they were the type with some to "spare") such as Johnson & Johnson, Walmart, Target, Burt's Bees, etc. But all declare that they do not participate in requests for donations "at this time". I am just hoping to get some input on areas to try or companies to get a hold of that may be interested in donating for this sake. Thanks for reading and any input is helpful.
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Try your local community service organizations (Kiwanis, Elks, Scouts) to see if they would do a sunscreen drive.
There is also plastics & dermatology offices that may have access to samples or have contacts with company reps who can provide samples of sunscreen.
cancer society or skin cancer foundation.
Local affiliates of sporting teams (minor leagues). Local YMCA (or equivalent) or Boys/Girls Club.
You can also try your local Costco (or BJ's, or Sam's Club) they have budgets for donations. If you are a PHN you may be able to provide a donation letter they can use for their own records.
Specializes in LTC,med-surg,detox,cardiology,wound/ost.
My first pick would be to see if your local dermatologists would sponsor a project to provide appropriate sunscreen. Since you are the one dispensing it, it sounds like a gate keeper and thus cost containment is in place. My second idea is to see if a local church would be interested in contributing as one of their projects. Parishioners often don't mind dropping off something to help those who are less fortunate. If the bigger companies are tight fisted, try medical supply companies. Also, someone mentioned the American Cancer Society. This might also be a nice project for your local nursing schools/clubs. I think you have many different opportunities and best of luck.
Apparently the companies no longer want to help with sun screen donations. I have spent months trying to get educational information about sun screen for a presentation I am doing in 'Relay for life" I contacted many companies and they would not help with information! They almost indicated I was begging for sun screen samples like I was some sort of begger! I actually only asked for leaflets to hand out. Eventually I contacted the melonoma society and they said that they would send me the information I needed which they have done.
I now have a list of companies that I will not buy any more of their products ever again.
Thanks for reaching out to us. We have also been having a difficult time getting free sunscreen samples in the past year or two. From what I understand, they used to just give thousands and thousands out, and then with the difficult economy, they basically stopped.
From the melonoma society
Thank you very much for your note re: concern for the UV/sun-exposure for participants in the fundraising event in which you actively participate and support. The Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation can provide complimentary, on a limited number basis, our “Stay Safe in the Sun” tips postcards for you which would be a great item to provide participants in advance or during the event. Your idea of a sun screen application “service” is very similar to the way we/our volunteers, now dispense sunscreen at events, due to the shortages and difficulties in obtaining sunscreen samples from manufacturers and suppliers. In fact, we’ve found providing an application service/area to be a better approach, than simply providing samples, as it allows an opportunity for us to discuss sun-safety, our Foundation’s mission of melanoma education, advocacy and research, and provide the sun screen application as a protective measure to the intended audience
An area that hasn't been mentioned yet are extreme couponers. They can get sunscreen for super cheap or even free and stock up on items like this when they're cheap. The website that I use, southernsavers.com, encourages donating any unused items. They have a great network and could be able to put you in touch with someone who runs a couponing website in your area. It's worth a shot and maybe an outlet that isn't constantly bombarded with requests.
Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.
I used to sell Mary Kay. I'm not sure their sunscreen is good for little kids.
I work in long term care and my residents love to sit in the sun. I went to the local Family Dollar...everything, including sunscreen, is one dollar. There were several kinds to choose from. I bought several tubes and gave them to the nurses to keep on the med carts....better to spend a few bucks than to try to explain a sunburn to the DPH!
Do you have a store called, 'Dollar Tree,' where you live? Everything is a Dollar or less. The best part about this store? Drum roll please.....They just started accepting Manufacturer's Coupons which means you literally get most of your items for free. They do sell a lot of name brand items. Talk to them. They could possibly have sunscreen from last year and give it to you free.
Specializes in OR, public health, dialysis, geriatrics.
I would contact the "big" companies despite what is on their websites about not doing donations "at this time." This may be old information that has not be removed from the websites. What's it going to hurt to ask? All they can do is say "no" and most likely they will send a few samples with the negative reply.
The American Cancer Society PR department might be able to direct you as to where to get donation as well. Search the "contact us" section for that department on the ACS website.
NamasteNurse, BSN, RN
680 Posts
Girl/Boy scouts drive?