Hosting a donation drive is a great way to support Onward House and make a direct impact in your community. Whether you’re collecting food, hygiene items, or school supplies, your in-kind donations help us provide essential resources to families in need.

Step 1: Choose the Type of Drive and Notify Onward House

You can host a:

  • Food Drive – Collect non-perishable foods for our food pantry.
  • Toiletry Drive – Gather personal care and hygiene products.
  • School Supply Drive – Support children and adult learners with essential classroom materials.

Please call (773) 622-3215 to let us know that you would like to organize a drive so that we are prepared to receive your donation.

Step 2: Collect Your Items

Set up clearly labeled boxes or bins in easy-to-access areas where donors can drop off items. Great collection sites include workplaces, schools, churches, community centers, or local businesses. Encourage participants to donate new, unopened, and non-expired goods.

Step 3: Arrange a Drop-Off

Once you’ve collected your items, please call ahead at (773) 622-3215 to
arrange a drop-off time. Our team will be ready to welcome you and assist with unloading your donations to ensure a smooth and easy process.

Below, you’ll find a list of our most needed items, as well as donations organized by program:

Personal Care & Hygiene

  • Shampoo + Conditioner
  • Soap + Body Wash
  • Razors
  • Shaving Cream
  • Wash Cloths
  • Feminine Products

Clothing & Warmth

  • Socks (men, women, girls, boys)
  • Underwear (men, women, girls, boys)
  • Men’s and Women’s Gloves/Hats/Scarves
  • Children’s Gloves/Hats/Scarves
  • Blankets
  • Pillows (New)

Baby & Family Essentials

  • Diapers
  • Wipes

Emergency & Seasonal Support

  • Emergency Kits
  • Christmas Trees (Seasonal)

Education & Learning Supplies

  • Notebooks (for Adult Learners)
  • Pens and Pencils
  • Blankets
  • Pillows (New)
  • Shampoo + Conditioner
  • Soap + Body Wash
  • Razors
  • Wash Cloths
  • Feminine Products
  • Shaving cream
  • Socks (men, women, girls, boys)
  • Underwear (men, women, girls, boys)
  • Men’s and Women’s Gloves/Hats/Scarves
  • Children’s Gloves/Hats/Scarves
  • Diapers
  • Wipes
  • Emergency Kits
  • Notebooks (for Adult Learners)
  • Pens and Pencils
  • Christmas Trees (Seasonal)

Onward House gladly accepts these in-kind donations:

For Youth Programs:

  • School Supplies – glue, construction paper, scissors, art supplies, pens, pencils;
  • Early Childhood Materials – age-appropriate toys for 3-5-year-olds; board games, puzzles, building sets (blocks, Legos);
  • Children’s & Teacher’s Resources – children’s books, current teacher resource books, butcher paper;
  • Baby Items – infant car seats, strollers, high chairs, diapers, and essentials;
  • Children Classroom Items – beanbags, child-size furniture, radios/CD players, children’s music CD’s;

For Families:

  • Gift Certificates – Jewel/Target/Kmart/Walgreens/CVS as well as raffle prizes for parents and teachers;
  • Winter Coats – All sizes for children and adults;
  • Personal Care Items – shampoo/conditioner, soap, lotion – in original packaging;
  • Laundry Supplies – detergent, softener, stain removers;
  • Household Cleaning Items – dishwashing liquid, floor cleaner, bathroom cleaner – in original packaging;
  • Staple Goods – paper towels, napkins, Kleenex;
  • Dry Food Items – rice, beans, pasta, canned vegetables, soups, sauces – in original packaging;
  • Seasonal Food Items – hams and turkeys (please call before donating) – in original packaging;

For Our Facilities:

  • Office Furnishings – chairs, tables, couches, desks, bookshelves, file cabinets;
  • Office Supplies – colored paper, notepads, binders;
  • Facility Items – refrigerator, microwave, freezer, vacuum, kitchen pails, window unit air conditioner, blinds, area rugs, large toasters, large food trays
  • Transportation – We are currently in need of a cargo van.

For Fundraising:

  • Live and Silent Auction items – gift certificates, experiences, hotel points, plane tickets, luxury items.

Have a special donation or request? We’d love to hear from you! Contact Emilio Araujo, Director of Development and Communications, at earaujo@onwardhouse.org or call at (773) 622-3215 for more details. Thank you for your support!