In-Kind Donations
Please only donate new or gently used items. If using black trash bags please make sure items are thoughtfully sorted.
People who experience chronic homelessness have prolonged sun exposure, putting them at much higher risk of eye and skin damage from the sun. As you get ready for summer and clean out your closets, please consider donating hats, sunglasses, light long sleeve t-shirts and pants, and even sunscreen to Preble Street to protect vulnerable community members from the sun’s harmful impacts.
SAVE TIME BY ORDERING FROM OUR AMAZING WISH LIST!
Spring & Summer 2024 Top Needs
- SOCKS!
- NEW or gently used, durable sneakers, Sandals (flats only), flip flops, and slides
- Blankets (new or like new, clean, free of pet fur)
- Men’s pants (sizes 28-34)
- Women’s pants (sizes 0-6)
- Water bottles
- Sunscreen
- NEW or gently used baseball hats and bandanas
- Sunglasses
- Sweatpants
- Sweatshirts/hoodies (All Sizes)
- Backpacks, tote bags, duffle bags, suitcases
- NEW men’s boxers and boxer briefs, all sizes
- NEW women’s cotton underwear, small – x-large (5-9)
- Durable raincoats and ponchos
- NEW sports bras, all sizes
- Lightweight jackets
- Plain t-shirts, all genders, all adult sizes.
- Tank tops
- Casual dresses
- Athletic shorts and non-athletic shorts
- Leggings: all adult sizes
- 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
WE COLLECT WINTER GEAR YEAR ROUND, UP TO AND INCLUDING… coats, boots, waterproof gloves, thermal gear, snow pants.
- 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
- Plain 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
- Towels
- Duffle bags
- Laundry detergent
Personal Hygiene Products
- Chapstick
- Toothbrushes
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hairbrushes, wide tooth combs
- Products for Afro-textured hair
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Hand/Body lotion
- Period care products
- Deodorant
- Razors
- First aid kits
- Shaving cream
- Soap
- Toothpaste
- Band-Aids
- Towels
- Toiletries, travel or full-sized
Group Supplies
- NEW home cleaning supplies for housing-first tenants
- Brooms, Mops, Plungers, and Dustpans
- Alarm Clocks
- Plastic totes with lids
- Gel pens
- Art and craft supplies
- Bus tickets
- Board games
- Books
- Date books
- ESL books
- Vehicles – Through the v-Dac Vehicle Donation Program, any car, truck, boat, or RV can benefit Preble Street.
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 the current printable wish list.
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 can only accept certain items, and all must be new or gently used. Please make sure items are thoughtfully sorted. Thank you!
Drop off at Receiving Center
18 Portland St, Portland
Monday, Wednesday, Friday:
9am-12pm
or ship to
Preble Street
55 Portland Street
Portland, ME 04101
