At Bud and Rita’s, we know how important it is to give back to the communities around us. To show our gratitude this year, we’re participating in the Nature’s Grace and Wellness (@ngwbrands) x Budrista Club (@budristaclub) annual Friendsgiving Drive! Read all about the various organizations we’re partnered with for the Friendsgiving Drive, and check out some of the other wonderful nonprofits we support beyond the season of gratitude. Keep reading or click HERE to view suggested Friendsgiving Drive donation items and their corresponding store locations.
Avondale
Since 1984, Irving Park Community Pantry (IPCP) has been dedicated to reducing food insecurity on the Northwest side of Chicago. In addition to collecting and distributing donations, the Community Pantry works to provide hunger education, awareness, and advocacy to influence local policy. Visit B&R Avondale to contribute to the IPCP through the Budrista Club x NGW Friendsgiving Drive.
Suggested Donations:
- Nonperishable unexpired food donations
- Shampoo
- Deodorant
- Body Wash
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Razors
- Shaving Cream
- Pet Food
West Town
The Northwestern Settlement was started by Chicagoans looking to support and assist their neighbors in need. The organization works in collaboration with surrounding community-based groups in order to address the root social causes of food insecurity. Visit B&R West Town to contribute to the Northwestern Settlement through the Budrista Club x NGW Friendsgiving Drive.
Suggested Donations:
- Canned Fruits and Vegetables
- Canned Fish & Chicken
- Canned Chili & Stew
- Dried & Canned Beans
- Granola Bars
- Pancake Mix
- Chips & snacks
- Instant Oatmeal
- Protein Drinks
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Body Soap
- Toothpaste & Toothbrushes
- Feminine Hygiene Products
Niles
The Friendship Center (TFC) supports Chicagoans in the Northwest side by providing free, healthful groceries to neighbors in need. In addition to accepting standard food donations, the program also provides hot meals, home delivery, and pet food distribution. Visit B&R Niles to contribute to TFC through the Budrista Club x NGW Friendsgiving Drive.
The New Hope Food Pantry (NHFP) is an organization that donates food and meal items to families on Chicago’s Northwest side. In addition to donations, the NHFP also offers services such as blood pressure screenings, free healthcare services through various partnerships, and SNAP assistance. Visit B&R Niles to contribute to NHFP through the Budrista Club x NGW Friendsgiving Drive.
Suggested Donations:
- Packaged one pot meals
- Canned meats
- Pasta
- Pasta sauce
- Dried/powdered milk
- Canned evaporated/condensed milk
- Canned fruit/vegetable juice
- Packaged rice
- Pancake mix
- Pancake syrup
- Ground coffee
- Tea bags
- Cereal
- Unopened baking items
- Baby food
- Baby formula
- Canned soups
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Canned tuna
- Canned pork & beans
- Dry beans
- Tomato sauce/paste
- Peanut butter
- Unopened pet food
- Pet litter
- Bar soap
- Toilet paper
- Disposable baby diapers
- Disposable adult undergarments
- Feminine hygiene products
- Paper towels
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Coffee filters
- Baby wipes
- Shampoo
In addition to our participation in the NGW x Budrista Club Friendsgiving Drive, we also have partnered with several wonderful organizations to give back to various causes throughout the year:
The Last Prisoner Project (LPP) is a life-changing organization that supports record expungement and release for those in prison for non-violent cannabis offenses. LPP believes that “no one should suffer the collateral consequences of offenses that are now legal,” and Bud & Rita’s supports that vision through donations. Our partnership with LPP gave our customers the opportunity to round up their total and contribute to the cause throughout the summer.
Center on Halsted (COH) is a local organization dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of the LGBTQ community of Chicago. The community center offers programs ranging from recreational activities, to group therapy, to vocational training! If you picked up a pack of Pride SLIMS in June, a portion of your proceeds from your purchase went to this amazing organization.
Prevent 22 is an IL-based coalition that focuses on suicide prevention for Veterans. This group of military brothers and sisters has dedicated itself to supporting Veterans through volunteer work and community care. This year, if you got a chance to grab a pack of Veterans Day Slims, a portion of the proceeds went to Prevent 22 and other Veteran-focused organizations.
Be sure to check out some of these amazing organizations, and we hope you have a safe and warm holiday season! Happy Friendsgiving! ♥️
