Year round, we collect much-needed items for families and individuals most vulnerable in our community. Families often times only have what is on their backs or in their cars and starting over. We are most grateful to donors who provide our children with the specific items they need. Please read the following list below to learn more about the items we need most.
We have limited storage space and resources, so we must manage the items we receive. Please contact us to discuss your items and arrange a time with our staff for you to drop them off. We are happy to recommend other local charities that are better set up to process a wider range of donated items.
Capital Asks
- New agency vehicles to meet transportation needs to client appointments and outreach services;
- 15 computer work stations to upgrade equipment at multiple shelter sites;
- Vacant land on Hawaii Island to develop “Housing First Communities” for families experiencing homelessness;
- New roof to replace current one at Beyond Shelter Transitional & affordable Housing program (see pic below).
Food
We are always looking for nonperishable food items for our Food Pantry and Meal programs for families, youth and adults who are living on the streets and beginning to live independently in the community. The food items listed below are especially needed right now. Due to health and safety regulations, we are unable to accept prepared foods (e.g. homemade cookies). We can only accept undamaged, nonperishable items (no dented tins, torn packaging, etc.) with a valid expiration date.
- Canned tuna, salmon or other canned meat
- Rice & pasta
- Crackers, cookies, cereals
- Pasta sauce/paste
- Canned vegetables/fruits and beans
- Soup packages/cans
- Coffee, juice
Clothing
Please note: We have a much greater need for children’s clothing. We are currently only accepting new/unused, adult-sized items.
- T-shirts
- Jeans
- Dress Pants (sizes 30 to 38)
- Dress Shirts for employment & interviews (all sizes)
- Socks: any size (new only)
- Underwear: any size (new only)
- Shoes and slippers of all sizes
School Supplies
- Art supplies (for our children’s programs)
- Pens, pencils, highlighters, markers
- Backpacks (new)
- Calculators
- Three-hole punched paper, copy paper
- Scissors, staplers, staples
- Folders, envelopes, notebooks
- Erasers, correction fluid
Toiletries
Toiletries must be new. Travel-sizes are welcome.
- Combs
- Deodorant, body spray
- Shampoo, soap, conditioner
- Sanitary pads
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste
Bedding
- Bedding must be new.
- Bed sheets: single and double
- Blankets/comforters: single, double or queen size
- Pillows and cases
Gift Cards
- Low denominations: Walmart, Target, Sears, McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, Longs Drugs, KTA, Safeway, Foodland/Sack n Save, Costco
- Movie passes
Children Entertainment Items:
- Board books, picture books, novels
- Board games, playing cards, bubbles in large jars, balls
- Coloring/activity books, crayons and markers
Household Items
- Kitchen essentials—Dishes, pots and pans, dish drainer, storage containers, can opener, oven mitts, kitchen cleaner, dish soap, sponges, waste basket, trash bags, Flatware/glassware for 4, baking pans, dishtowels, rice cooker, coffee maker, Crock pot and cookbooks
- Household essentials—Fill a laundry basket with paper towels, light bulbs, Kleenex, all-purpose/window cleaner, toilet paper, foil, storage bags, broom, mop, vacuum, dust pan
- Bathroom essentials—Bath and hand towels, hand soap, toothbrush holder, bath mat, toilet brush and cleaner
- Laundry essentials—Laundry bag/basket, detergent, spot cleaner, dryer sheets
- First-Aid kit—Buy complete kit or make your own (small container filled with different size bandages, gauze and gauze tape, small scissors, tweezers, burn ointment and antibiotic cream)
- Furniture – beds, sofas, rugs, dinette set with chairs, dressers, night stands, lamps, desk
Wishlist
For more information on ways to donate, take a look at our Wishlist brochure.