The donations we receive must be of high quality and ready to go to an individual or family. We serve multiple families each day and the turnover of items is constant - so the more prepared each item is, the quicker we can provide it to a client in crisis. Use the information below as a guide on how to best prepare your potential donation.
Items to be dropped off at our warehouse
We dedicate as much space as possible to furniture on our 26 ft. truck during pickups, so we ask that all small item donations be dropped off at our warehouse located at 5111 Chase Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515.
Dishes/Kitchen Items:
- All kitchen items should be washed and ready for a client. This includes: dishes, glasses, pots & pans, flatware, tupperware, etc.
- It’s best if they are transported in a box and wrapped in protective paper to prevent breakage.
Small Appliances:
- All small appliances should be in 100% working condition - not requiring any repairs or missing any parts/pieces.
- All small appliances should be properly cleaned. This includes removing as much debris from toasters as possible so that it can be presented to a client.
Lamps:
- All lamps should be in 100% working condition - not requiring any repairs or missing any parts/pieces.
- Lamp shades should be provided along with the lamp and presented without damage.
- It is not necessary to provide a lightbulb, but it would be appreciated.
Clothing/Linens:
- Clothing, bedding, towels, etc. items should be laundered and ready to go directly on a shelf for distribution. They can be dropped off at our warehouse in either bags, boxes or laundry baskets.
- Stained or ripped items should be discarded, not donated.
Decorative Items:
- All decorative items should be properly cleaned and/or wiped down.
- All pictures/frames should be without damage and/or broken glass.
Baby Items:
- All baby items like car seats, strollers, highchairs, etc. must be cleaned and free of debris and have no broken or missing items.
- All car seats must be under six years of age.
- All items should be checked for recalls prior to donating. Recalled items should be disposed of.
Items that qualify for our truck pickup
Our truck space is dedicated to furniture. Each scheduled pickup day is by appointment date and space is planned accordingly. When space permits, we may accept 2-3 small boxes or bags of items during a pickup.