DONATE BY CHECK
Check donations can be made out to “Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen,” and mailed to P.O. Box 1478, New Haven, Connecticut 06506-1478. Call us at (475) 238-8778 or email: donate@deskct.org. Thank you for your support!
Thank you so much for supporting the critical work our volunteers and staff are doing every day to support those in the greatest of need! Thank you for being part of your community!

Make a Commitment for Tomorrow …
DESK’s Legacy Society is made up of donors who include DESK’s future in their financial planning. Members of DESK’s Legacy Society have made a commitment to the long-term mission of DESK, ensuring that we will continue to serve those most in need for years to come.
As with any financial planning, you should check with a qualified financial advisor or estate attorney before making any changes to your current plans. For additional information on how to make a deferred or planned gift to DESK, please contact us at (475) 238-8778 or via email.
Bequests
Many donors find that the easiest way to make a substantial future gift to DESK is to make a bequest in their will. There are many different kinds of bequests. With each, the entire value of the bequest is eligible for a charitable deduction against their estate taxes.
Stocks, Securities, Real Estate
Popular alternatives to cash are gifts of appreciated property such as marketable securities (stocks and/or bonds) and real estate. These type of gifts can provide even greater tax benefits to you, the donor, than an equivalent gift of cash, especially when the appreciated property being donated has been held long-term (more than a year) and has increased in value over basis (the value at the time the property was acquired by the donor). Stock donations can be made directly to DESK’s holdings account:
Financial Institution: Merrill Lynch
DTC Code: 8862
Account Number: 81202688
Account Name: The Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen, Inc.
Life Insurance
Most people own some form of life insurance either through their employer or through a personal or family plan. Life insurance is popular because of its unique ability to meet a variety of needs for financial protection. A donor can name DESK as the primary or successor beneficiary of a life insurance policy. When the proceeds are paid to DESK, the donor’s estate may be allowed an estate-tax charitable deduction.
Retirement Plan Proceeds
Another way to leave a significant gift and help secure the future is to name DESK as beneficiary to part or all of your retirement plan benefits. This can be done with an IRA, Roth IRA, 401 (k) plan or employer sponsored pension plan.
For more information on the deductibility of charitable contributions for the current tax year, please visit the IRS web site at www.irs.gov.
For additional information, please reach out to our Executive Director, Steve Werlin, at (475) 238-8557 or swerlin@deskct.org.
DONOR’S BILL OF RIGHTS
1. To be informed of the organization’s mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.
2. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization’s governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.
3. To have access to the organization’s most recent financial statements.
4. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.
5. To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.
6. To be assured that information about their donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.
7. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.
8. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors.
9. To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.
10. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.
Developed by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Association of Healthcare Professionals, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and the Giving Institute.
THANK YOU GIFTS!
What better way to show your support for DESK than with some branded swag?
If you’d like any of the following items as thank you gift for your contribution, please include the item and any relevant details in the comment section below, and we’ll mail the gift to you. Thanks for your support!

DESK T-Shirt
Donations of $15 or more
Please indicate the following:
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Neck: Crew or V-neck
Cut: Straight-cut or tapered-cut

DESK Zipper Fleece
Donations of $30 or more
Please indicate the following:
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL

DESK Sport-style Jacket
Donations of $30 or more
Please indicate the following:
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL

DESK Baseball Cap
Donations of $25 or more
Please indicate the following:
Color: Black, Blue

DESK Volunteer Apron
Donations of $30 or more

DESK Baby Bib
Donations of $20 or more