Host a Donation Drive

Thinking about hosting a donation drive to benefit young people experiencing homelessness? Download our Host a Donation Drive information sheet or contact Frances Roen, Director of Development, at roen@youthlinkmn.org or 612.252.1283.

Donation Drive Themes:

For more ideas, log-on to http://www.youthlinkmn.org/donate/in-kind-donations-process/

 

Baby Baskets

Many of our youth are new, or expecting parents. Help them get the supplies they need for their little one by hosting a drive for one of the following items:

  • Diapers
  • Baby blankets
  • Baby clothing (from infant – 3 years)
  • Baby formula
  • Baby powder
  • Baby wipes
  • Bottles
  • Infant-safe toys

 

Welcome Baskets

YouthLink provides more than 140 units of supportive housing for formerly homeless young people. Many of these young people arrive to their new home with little or no possessions. A basket of basic items supplies a young person with many of the essentials for a new beginning.

  • Small laundry basket or trash can as container
  • Paper towels
  • Toilet paper
  • Body Soap/shampoo/conditioner
  • Dish soap/sponge
  • Cleaning supplies (window cleaner, dusting spray, wipes)
  • Bath towel/hand towel
  • Full bed sheet set
  • Shower curtain/liner/shower rings

 

Cooking Up Opportunities

Put together one complete kitchen kit or collect the things on this list to fill multiple kitchens. You
will be cooking up a difference in a young person’s life.

  • Set of 4 dishes & bowl
  • Set of 4 drinking glasses
  • Small saucepan w/ lid
  • Medium saucepan w/ lid
  • Skillet
  • Large pot w/ lid
  • Set of flatware for 4
  • Kitchen utensils
  • Large mixing spoon
  • Microwave (appliances must be new or in working condition)
  • Spatula
  • Pot holders
  • Cutting board
  • Cookbook
  • Dish Towels

 

Hygiene Drive

When a young person is forced to live on the streets, deodorant, soap, and a toothbrush can help to
turn a person’s life around, build trust and point him or her toward a positive future.

  • Travel sized & full sized hygiene products (for sensitive skin, when possible)
  • Afro-centric hair products
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Deodorant

 

Back-to-School/GED Drive

You have the opportunity to give the gift of an education. Collect these items and you have given a
young person the tools necessary for a better future.

  • $25 for GED Fees
  • Notebooks
  • Flash drives
  • Calculators
  • Folders
  • Rulers
  • Pens/pencils
  • Backpacks
  • Loose leaf paper

 

Underwear Drive

Most of us take for granted the fact that we have multiple pairs of clean undergarments and socks. A young person who is experiencing homelessness is often wearing all of the clothes he owns.

  • New underwear (men and women)
  • New bras (particularly large sizes)
  • Socks
  • Men’s undershirts

 

Clothing Drive

YouthLink hosts our own clothing closet at the Youth Opportunity Center and it is always in use! We accept seasonally and teen appropriate clothing and shoes, as well as professional clothing for job interviews.

Specific winter needs:

  • Coats (specifically in XL, XXL, XXXL)
  • Hats
  • Mittens/gloves
  • Scarves
  • Boots
  • Thick socks