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Donate Now:

Donations can be dropped off at 311 Temple Street in New Haven Sunday-Thursday, 1:00-4:00 pm or by appointment.  For larger donations or for drives, please reach out to us by email or phone before dropping off so we can be sure to have enough volunteers to help sort.

 

FOOD & KITCHEN GOODS

 

All shelf-stable foods must be in sealed containers and cannot be expired.  We can also accept donations of fresh produce.  If you have questions, please contact us by email or reach out to our Food Services Manager by phone at (475) 331-6137.

Shopping List:

  • Canned Fruits (low-sugar)
  • Canned Vegetables (low-sodium)
  • Canned Soups (low-sodium)
  • Canned fish (tuna & salmon)
  • Canned meats (chicken & pork)
  • Rice (brown)
  • Cereal (low-sugar)
  • Canned Beans
  • Olive Oil
  • Vegetable Oil
  • Pasta (dry)
  • Individual Snacks (granola bars, chips, etc.)
  • Individual drinks (low sugar)
  • Ziploc Sandwich Bags
  • Paper Towels
  • Disposable Cutlery (plastic forks, knives, spoons)
  • Re-usable Grocery Bags or Gently-Used Disposable Plastic Bags
  • Mustard
  • Mayonnaise
  • Relish (sweet & dill)
  • Cat & Dog Food (canned, small bags of dry, or large bags with 1-gallon zip-lock bags)
  • Salt and Pepper (large containers)
  • Garlic (granulated, powder, or minced)
  • Spices (large containers): Oregano, Basil, Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika (regular and smoked)
  • Salad Dressing (low-fat)
  • Ketchup

TOILETRIES

All individual items must be in unopened containers.  We cannot accept any kind of medicine (including over-the-counter).  While we are in need of products for all genders, about 80 percent of those we serve at our Drop-in Center are men, so plan your toiletries donations accordingly.  If you have questions, please contact us by email or reach out to our Food Services Manager by phone at (475) 331-6137.

Shopping List:

  • Bar soap
  • Shampoo + conditioner
  • Shaving cream
  • Razors (disposable)
  • Bar soap
  • Shampoo + conditioner
  • Shaving cream
  • Razors (disposable)
  • Feminine hygiene products

CLOTHING & OTHER GOODS

DESK provides emergency clothing and basic needs gear primarily to adults who are living on the street.  Because we have limited storage, we limit what we can accept to seasonal items.  If you have questions, please contact us by email or reach out to our Food Services Manager by phone at (475) 331-6137.

Shopping List:

  • Winter coats
  • Boots
  • Warm socks (new only)
  • Sweatshirts and Sweaters
  • Flannel and Other Warm Long-sleeve Shirts
  • Scarves
  • Winter hats (stocking caps)
  • Mittens and Gloves
  • Hand Warmers
  • Men’s & Women’s undergarments (new only)
  • Re-usable WATER BOTTLES
  • Sneakers
  • Ankle-length & Boot-length Socks (new only)
  • T-shirts
  • Pants (lightweight or sweatpants)
  • Light Jackets, Windbreakers, Rain Coats
  • Baseball caps & Other Sun-hats
  • Tents
  • Sleeping Bags
  • Blankets
  • Backpacks
  • Backpacks and re-usable shopping bags

AMAZON WISH LIST

DESK maintains a Wish List for items we need on Amazon.  Check it out!  You can purchase these items for DESK and they’ll be delivered directly to us.  If you choose to purchase items from DESK’s Amazon Wish List, please send us an email to let us know.

And while you’re at it, be sure to purchase all your Amazon items via Amazon Smile, and Amazon will donate a small portion of the sale to DESK!

Thank you for your help!  Your
donations will make a difference in the lives of those in the greatest of need in our community.  We can’t do this work without you!

Ring before You Bring:

Please call or email ahead so we will know to expect you and your donations!

Meagan Howard

Food Services Manager, DESK

ORGANIZE A DRIVE

Hosting a drive is a great way to get more people supporting this critical work.  You can host a drive by collecting items at your home, school, work, congregation, or wherever you find your community.  As the point-person for the drive, you’ll be the glue!  Simply fill out the form below, and we’ll draft up a flyer for you that can be shared electronically or printed.

Once your drive has ended, please email us at donate@deskct.org, or call Ashley at (475) 238-6170 to set up a time to deliver the donations to DESK.

Want some help drumming up support?  Consider hosting a Zoom happy hour or info session, and we’ll send a member of our staff or Board to tell your friends or coworkers more about how their donations will support those in need and answer any questions.  Email us at donate@deskct.org for more information.