Make a gift in kind
Your material donation helps us meet the day-to-day needs of our participants. Thank you!
Make a gift in kind
Your material donation helps us meet the day-to-day needs of our participants. Thank you!
These are our ongoing needs. Items are used at the emergency shelter, in permanent supportive housing, and at the English Learning Center.
- Sign up in advance for a drop-off time slot
What we need most right now
Items are grouped by the need they meet. If something is not listed, please ask first.
Personal care
- Shampoo, conditioner or body wash (travel or full size)
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
- Nail clippers and tweezers
- Lip balm
- Hair ties
- Combs
- Sunscreen (seasonal, travel sized preferred)
- Disposable razors
- Foot or baby powder
- Lotion
- Deodorant
- Non-alcoholic mouthwash (travel size)
- Cotton balls
- Q-tips
We can only accept unused personal care items.
Health and safety
- Sanitizing wipes (Clorox, Lysol)
- Disinfectant spray
- Flu Free Kits: 60%+ alcohol hand sanitizer, tissue packs, antibacterial wipes, vitamin-C packs, and travel-size ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Food
- Breakfast cereal
- Grits
- Oatmeal
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Folgers ground coffee
- Non-dairy creamer
- Popcorn
- Snacks (granola bars, beef jerky, cereal bars)
All food must be unexpired.
Clothing
- Socks (new)
- T-shirts (all sizes and genders, new or gently used)
- Underwear (all sizes and genders, new)
- Winter wear (mittens, gloves, handwarmers)
- Sweatpants and pants (all sizes and genders, new or gently used)
Distance learning
- iPad or Chromebook (if purchasing new)
- Any tablet or laptop in good condition (if donating used)
Distance learning items may be delivered to the shelter and will be transported to the ELC.
Kitchen items
- Commercial sized cookware, including pots and pans
- Paper plates and bowls
- Plates, cereal bowls, forks, spoons, knives
- Tupperware (all sizes)
- Medium-sized nonstick skillet
- Medium-sized nonstick sauce pot
- 8×8 in. baking dish
- Kitchen towels and rags
- Dish soap
- Toasters
- Microwaves
Household items
- Bathroom towels (full-sized and hand/face)
- Bathroom rugs
- Shower curtain, liner and rings
- Queen and full-size sheet sets
- Pillows
- Air mattresses (full-size or larger)
- Wastebaskets and garbage bags (8 or 13 gallons)
- Durable brooms and stand up dust pans
- Swiffer jet mops and refill materials
- Laundry basket
- Vacuums
- Clock radios
- Floor lamps
- Flat screen TVs (32 inch or smaller)
- Fans or heaters (seasonal)
Miscellaneous
- Unlocked phones
- Backpacks and drawstring bags
- Chargers and charging blocks
- Folding personal shopping carts
- Bus passes or tokens
- Stamps
- Target, Walmart or Cub gift cards
Books
- Please review the ELC Amazon wish list for books the English Learning Center can accept
What we cannot accept
While we are grateful for your generosity, we are unable to accept unapproved clothing, children's items, household items or food, except what is listed above.
If you would like to donate something that is not on this list, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@oscs-mn.org. If you would like to help provide food, see the Our Saviour's Housing volunteer page.
Two ways to get items to us
Drop off in person
Items may be dropped off at Our Saviour's Housing, 2219 Chicago Avenue
Ship from Amazon
You may also purchase in-kind donations and have them delivered directly to us. We keep a separate list for each site because the delivery addresses differ.
Questions?
Email our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@oscs-mn.org or call 612.386.6626. Thank you!
Give your time instead.
Volunteers serve meals, assemble kits, and help around the shelter every day of the year.