Here are some of the things we need most:
Food Pantry
The Food Pantry always needs donations of non-perishable food items delivered during our hours of operation (see below). High-protein items are especially beneficial.
*** A food drive by your school or civic group is a great way to provide this.
OUR TOP NEEDS:
Breakfast cereal (hot & cold)
Pasta
Pancake mixes & Syrup
Rice
Canned and Dry Beans (especially Black and Garbanzo)
Lentils
Canned Fruits
Pasta Sauce
Canned meals - Chili, beef stew etc.
Tuna
Canned Tomatoes
Canned Corn
Other Items we always appreciate:
Peanut butter and jelly
Hearty nutritious soups
Canned vegetables
Baking mixes & frosting
Fresh produce harvested from your garden is welcomed in season.
The Food Pantry gets most of its food from the Northern Illinois Food Bank where it can acquire $8 worth of groceries for every $1 spent, so please consider a financial donation.
First Things First
First Things First welcomes donations of baby items during our hours of operation (see below).
*** Consider doing a diaper drive
*** Use your Kohl’s Cash to purchase clothing items, especially larger sizes.
Diapers (especially sizes 4, 5 & 6) & Pull-Ups
Baby wipes, baby wash, baby lotion & diaper cream
Clean, gently used clothes for sizes newborn to 5T. We especially need spring & summer clothes for the coming season.
Board books and early readers
Infant and early childhood toys and small baby equipment including high chairs, play mats, etc.
No car seats, cribs, strollers or used stuffed toys please
Clothes Closet
The Clothes Closet always needs new or gently-used adult and children’s clothing 5T and above delivered during our hours of operation (see below):
Spring and summer clothes for children of all ages from 0-16, clean and new or gently used.
All types and sizes of clothing, especially for the current or upcoming season, clean and new or gently used
Shoes and boots
Outerwear, including winter coats and gloves
We also welcome donations of Kohls Cash which we can use to purchase needed clothing items.
Walk-In Assistance
Have a gift card you don’t need? We can always use gift cards to purchase items for distribution to our guests. These can be delivered during our hours of operation (see below).
A common need, not covered by government food assistance, is cleaning supplies:
Hygiene items
Multi-purpose cleaning solutions and sprays
Laundry detergent and bleach
Dish detergent
Disinfecting wipes
You may also reach out to info@theoutreachhouse.org for further information.