Donate Needed Items

Check with your local program to see what they may need and to coordinate your efforts.  If you are donating an item, please make sure that it is gently used or new and not in need of repair or replacement. In kind donations such as phone cards, gift certificates, bus tickets, and food items are much appreciated.

Used Cell Phones
Your old cell phone is worth money to JDI. If you or your company are upgrading cell phones, turn your old phones into cash.  

Household items, Toiletries
Local programs are frequently in need of household and personal items for their clients. You can donate your gently used or new items to a local program or hold clothing or household drives for your local program. Make sure you get in touch with them and coordinate your efforts. Some programs have limited space for storage while others may be able to collect and store items for future needs.

Clothing
Many of the clients of local programs are in need of clothing for themselves or their children. For those living in shelter, they may have escaped a situation that is too dangerous to return for additional items. Some may need professional clothing for job hunting and interviews. Children may be growing so fast that they are a different size than when they left home. Rape crisis centers often collect loose fitting clothing like sweatshirts and sweatpants for survivors who have had to turn over their clothing as evidence.

Books, games, puzzles, DVD’s, and educational supplies
Many shelters need age-appropriate and safe toys and school supplies for kids. Programs may need toys, puzzles, books, and videos or DVD’s for their children’s space or waiting areas. Make sure that they are appropriate for all ages.

Food
Non-perishable food such as canned and boxed foods is helpful for shelters and for residents who may be moving into transitional living or community apartments. Gift cards also help.

Household items
Kitchen utensils, plates, pots and pans, baking supplies and other items may be needed for shelter residents moving into apartments.

Furniture
Residents moving to apartments may have left all of their furniture behind and will need bedroom furniture, living room, kitchen and dining furniture, dressers, storage furniture, desks, tables. If you have furniture to donate, please call ahead. Never bring furniture or large items without checking with the program first. They may have no space to keep it or they may have an arrangement with a local warehouse or thrift store to accept it on their behalf.

Holiday gifts and treats
Many shelters and programs accept gifts for families in shelters and for children of residents. Typical holiday gifts may include toys, warm weather clothing, or gifts for adults. This may be a community service project for a school or a mission project for a faith community. Again, be sure to coordinate your efforts with a local program. They may have a cut-off date or a holiday party for distribution.

Computers and Office Furniture
Many programs need upgraded computers and software, as well as desks, conference tables, waiting room furniture, or storage and file cabinets. Check with your local program or call JDI to let us know what you have to donate. We can help match your company’s donation with a program that needs it.