House Parties

A WLP House Party is a way for volunteers, donors, or people interested in our organization to get members of their community together to socialize, have fun and learn about the WLP's mission and the work that we do. Additionally, it is a great way to directly help Boston's poor and homeless women by donating much needed items to the shelter.

The host of the party opens their home to their friends, family and neighbors and asks each guest to bring an item that will directly benefit the poor and homeless women and children that the Women's Lunch Place serves.

We ask that each host lets us know the date and theme of the party that they will be hosting and lets us know if there is anything that we can do to help them in planning their party. Below, there is a list of suggested party themes and items which would be very much appreciated at the shelter. Most hosts send out their own invitations, and some have been opting to send online invitations, which are free and simple to put together, via Evite.com. We can provide you with the necessary information about our organization for your invitations.

Sharon Reilly, the Executive Director of the WLP, is always happy to attend House Parties to share our mission with your guests, talk to them about ways they can become involved, and let them know how much their contributions are appreciated. Typically, Sharon attends House Parties with a member of the WLP Development staff. However, it is perfectly fine if you are more comfortable hosting your House Party without any staff present. We do ask that you provide us with the contact information of your attendees, so that we can properly thank them for their donation and keep them updated on the WLP.

Below is a list of suggested House Party themes and the items that your guests could donate for them. But keep in mind, we are always open to suggestions and new ideas!

"Birthday Party" - Small items that can be used to give to our guests as gifts for their birthdays. These items can include: perfume, purses, toiletries, beautiful but inexpensive jewelry, lotions, gloves, hats, scarves, manicure sets, bath and body sets, etc. We ask that your House Party guests keep in mind that we usually give each woman a bag with a few items valued at $25-$40 total for their birthday. In the interest in keeping things fair for our ladies, it would be more useful to donate several low priced items rather than one expensive item.

"Bra and Panty Party" - New bras and underwear for our ladies. Bra and Panty House Party guests also typically donate socks and hosiery, as well as unused toiletries and bath and body products.

"Once Upon A Time" - Watches for our Guests and books for our Quiet Room, popular with guests who like to relax in comfortable chairs with a good book.

"It's Raining, It's Pouring!" - Rain accessories for our Guests:  umbrellas and ponchos

"Lady on the Go" - Backpacks, purses, and tote bags

"Pretty Woman" - Makeup, accessories, hairbrushes, hair bands, etc.

"Sleeping on a Cloud" - Twin sized sheet sets, blankets and pillows for our Nap Room, which provides a comfortable place for our guests to get some much needed rest.

"The Joy of Giving" - Wrapping paper, tissue paper, gifts bags, birthday cards for us to use for our Guests' birthday and holiday gifts.

"Scrub-A-Dub" - Towels and washcloths, bathrobes, toiletries, shampoo, soap and conditioner for our Guests who use our shower to get all cleaned up.

"Boston Tea and Coffee Party" - Both regular and decaf tea and coffee for our guests to enjoy.

"Office Supply Party" - We are always in need of office supplies for our Resource Center, where Guests have access to computers, Internet, a printer, fax machine, telephone and valuable information about housing, employment and other shelter that they can go to for assistance. Copy paper, pens, manila envelopes, notebooks, folders, greeting cards, flashdrives, and general office supplies, i.e. paperclips, whiteout, etc. are all supplies that will not go to waste in our Resource Center.