In-Kind Donations
Children and adolescents often come to us with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
We help more than 2,500 children, adolescents and families annually through direct service, screening and referrals. As you can imagine, our needs are always changing. Please consider signing up to be a part of our email list, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter, where we frequently ask for specific needs year-round.
Gift cards for major retailers (Walmart, Target, etc.) are always welcome and enable us to take the children shopping to purchase the correct size of clothing and other personal items they need.
Our programs and group homes also have wish lists. Please consider making a donation toward these needs.
We only accept donations of new items.
Please contact our Development Coordinator, Zoe McGrath at zmcgrath@shelter-inc.org or (847) 595-0180 if you have any questions.
Donation Drives
Throughout the year, Shelter hosts donation drives for children living in our emergency group homes and in foster care, teens who are experiencing homelessness, and young people living at our Transitional Living Program home.
- Backpack and school supply drive
- Winter clothing and holiday gift drive
- Summer clothing drive
With your help, we can provide essential clothing items and gifts that bring joy to children, young adults, and families experiencing crisis or suffering from trauma. Look for donation drive sign-ups here or on our calendar.
If you work for an organization that would like to help with a donation drive, please contact Zoe at Zmcgrath@shelter-inc.org.
Looking for an easy way to make a big impact?
Check out Shelter’s Wish List on Amazon. You can purchase the donation items we need, and send them to us directly. We keep our list up-to-date with the current and most urgent needs of our programs.
Shelter, Inc. Gift In-Kind Donation Policy
Due to the high costs associated with processing and storing donations, we can only accept items that meet the current and anticipated needs of our clients. In addition, many state and DCFS regulations require that items not be used; therefore, we regret that in most cases, we only accept donations of new items. We reserve the right to decline donations that do not meet our needs/requirements.
All donations must be pre-approved by a member of Shelter’s Development staff prior to delivery. Donors are also asked to complete a donation form.
Shelter will acknowledge receipt of pre-approved donations but cannot assign its fair market value. Donors are responsible for consulting a tax professional with questions or concerns regarding the tax deductible value of their donation.
Donors are responsible for packing, shipping and/or delivery of all in-kind donations, unless otherwise arranged.
If we are unable to accept your donation, there are other agencies that may be in need of the items. (The inclusion of any organization on this list does not imply endorsement by Shelter, Inc.)
