In-Kind Donations
The Receiving Center is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
As winter approaches, Preble Street will be focusing on cold-weather items that meet the immediate needs of those we serve. This includes items like gloves, hats, scarves, warm winter coats, hand warmers, blankets, and similar essentials.
This may mean that we’re unable to accept certain items you wish to donate. Please see below for a full list of our top clothing needs:
Fall & Winter 2024 Top Needs
- SOCKS! (all sizes)
- NEW or gently used, durable sneakers, winter boots
- Thermal gloves/mittens (XL+ especially)
- Balaclavas/thermal hats
- Handwarmers/Toe warmers
- Thermal Tops and bottoms
- Blankets (new or like new, clean, free of pet fur)
- Men’s jeans (sizes 28-34)
- Women’s jeans (sizes 0-6)
- Sweatshirts/hoodies (All Sizes)
- Backpacks, tote bags, duffle bags, suitcases, reusable shopping bags
- NEW men’s boxers and boxer briefs, all sizes
- NEW women’s cotton underwear, small – x-large (5-9)
- Warm winter coats in all sizes
- Snowpants
- NEW sports bras, all sizes
- Leggings – sizes XS – Large
- Sweatpants
- Belts
Food
- Ground coffee
- Jelly (smaller jars preferred)
- Juices
- Canned meats (tuna, chicken and Spam)
- Marinara sauce (jars or flip top cans)
- Canned black beans (flip top cans preferred)
- Dried pasta of any kind
- Hearty canned or jarred soups
- Canned or jarred stews (beef stew, chili with meat, vegetarian options, etc.)
- Oatmeal (especially microwaveable and flavored packets)
- Hot Chocolate packets
- Ensure Protein Shakes
- Cheese (especially American and Cheddar)
- Soft granola bars
- Cereal
- Pancake mixes
- Snack items (microwave popcorn, packaged nuts, chocolate covered raisins/almonds, yogurt covered raisins/almonds, etc.)
- Condiments (salad dressings, mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup, oil & vinegar)
- Pickles
- Holiday treats/snacks
Clothing
New or very gently used/consignment ready. No stains, rips and ready to wear.
- NEW or very gently used boots, sneakers, or sturdy shoes (especially sizes 10 and up)
- NEW men’s boxers and boxer briefs: small and medium sizes
- NEW women’s cotton underwear: small and medium sizes
- NEW bras (especially sizes A, B, and C)
- NEW sports bras
- Jeans and casual pants: men’s 28”-38”
- Leggings: all adult sizes
- T-shirts: (especially L, XL, and 2XL)
- Sweatpants: all adult sizes
- Hoodies: M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X
- NEW socks
Shelter Essentials
- Tents and tarps (earth tones preferred)
- Sleeping bags and sleeping mats
- Sleeping bag liners
- Hand/toe warmers
- Backpacks
- Tote bags
- Tarps
- Duffle bags
- Laundry detergent
Personal Hygiene Products
- Chapstick
- Toothbrushes
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hairbrushes, wide tooth combs
- Products for Afro-textured hair
- Hand/Body lotion
- Period care products
- Deodorant
- Razors
- First aid kits
- Shaving cream
- Soap
- Toothpaste
- Band-Aids
- Toiletries, travel or full-sized
- Body wipes
- Makeup remover
- Nail clippers/files
You can raise awareness of the needs of teens and adults experiencing homelessness and help get others involved by organizing a food, clothing, or toiletry drive (PDF) to help us stock our shelves. See our current printable wishlist.
WHEN AND WHERE TO DONATE
Food
Food Security Hub
75 Darling Ave, South Portland
Volunteer Entrance (ring the bell)
7 days a week: 7am-5pm
Non-food items
We actively use and distribute donations as they come in and accordingly focus on accepting items that meet the immediate needs of the people we serve. Please reference the PDF below to see what items we can’t accept and where to take them instead.
Alternative Donation Locations
Receiving Center:
75 Darling Ave, South Portland
Located @front of the building
Open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
The Receiving Center is closed on all major holidays.
or ship to
Preble Street
55 Portland Street
Portland, ME 04101
