Host a donation drive for those in need!
We are always looking for generous individuals to donate items for newly arrived refugees. When a refugee family arrives, we find permeant housing for the family to live. With the help of our wonderful donors and volunteers we are able to fill the home with all the necessary items. You would be in charge of collecting items on our list and bringing them to our donation space.
For Erie County contact David at djankowiak@jfswny.org or 716.883.1914 ext. 405
For Niagara County contact Emily at ewirth@jfswny.org or 716-796-4994
Below is a list of items we are always looking for. Feel free to run your donation drive however you feel is best. (Choosing one category is encouraged)
Linen and Other Household Supplies:
- One bath towel and one wash cloth per person (must be new)
- One set of comforter/sheets/pillowcase(s) per bed (Bedding in a Bag sets can be had cheaply online, esp. in clearance sales) (Twin set for children or single adults, and full/queen for 2 parents – these must be new)
- Appropriate seasonal blankets (must be new) for each bed (light blanket for late spring/summer; comforter for fall/winter, or preferably both)
- Electric alarm clock (no wind-up clocks) (can be used as long as it works)
- Notebook, pens and/or pencils (one new set, and a cheap composition book or legal pad from Dollar Store is fine)
- Two Lamps and package of new light bulbs (Lamps can be used as long as in excellent working condition and no loose parts)
- Shower Curtain and Shower Liner and Hooks (new)
- Hangers for closet (new)
Cleaning Supplies (everything should be new and in original packaging – Dollar Stores are great for some of these items, if people don’t have in their pantries at hom. Multiples of cleaning items like liquid all-purpose cleaner and dish soap and sponges, are most welcome!):
- Dish Soap
- Bathroom/kitchen cleanser (like Comet)
- Liquid All-Purpose Cleaner like Fabuloso or Lysol
- Powder laundry detergent
- Sponges/Scouring Pads
- Big package of paper towels
- Two wastebaskets (big one for kitchen, small one for bathroom)
- Box of large trash bags
- Broom w/dustpan for broom and/or Mop w/bucket
- Toilet Brush
Kitchen Items (most can be gently used but clean and not chipped preferred):
- One place setting of tableware per person (fork, knife and spoon)
- One place setting of dishes (plate, bowl and coffee/tea cup) per person (these do not have to match as long as they are not chipped! New dish sets are very much appreciated!)
- At least one drinking glass per person (no chips, clean and like new – no plastic cups, wine glasses or beer mugs. New glass sets are very appreciated!)
- Pots and pans (at least one sauce pan, frying pan and baking dish – no old Teflon or heavily used or scratched ones – new sets are very much preferred and appreciated)
- Large pot for making soup, stews for bigger family
- Mixing/serving bowls (no chips, do not have to match)
- One set of kitchen/cooking utensils (new very much preferred)
- One set of sharp knives (new),
- Cutting board
- Dish towel (new)
- Two batteries for smoke alarm (new)
- Package (or more) of paper napkins
- Can opener (not electric, new preferred)
- Scouring pads (new)
Toiletries (only in original packaging and new, and family-size please. Multiples of toiletries are most welcome!)
- Large package (or more) of toilet paper
- One bottle shampoo (or more)
- Two bathroom soaps (one for sink and one for shower), per person
- Toothpaste
- One toothbrush per person
- Hand and body lotion – family size
- Deodorant (number based on size of family – for example, if there are three, then provide three deodorant sticks)
- Box of sanitary napkins, for teens and young women (No Tampons!)
- Boxes of Kleenex
- Basic first aid kit
- Disposable razors
- Shaving cream
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfectant wipes for kitchen/bathroom
Helpful Items NOT On Required List, but if you have them lying around and are in clean/excellent working condition or new, would be wonderful additions.
- Small microwave (new is best; but will take used if clean and in good working condition)
- Small-Medium flat screen TV with antenna and remote (new is best). Please make sure it is in good working order. Television is an excellent way for our clients to pick up English. We cannot accept old TVs that are not flat screens, due to space reasons.
- Extension Cords (new preferred)
- Dictionary
- Electric Fan (if possible, several box fans for bedrooms)
- City map
- Extra alarm clock
- Basic tool box
- Tea Kettle (preferably new; no instant coffee makers)
- Working toaster oven (used and clean is fine, but new is best)
- Radio (plug-in)
- Umbrella(s)
- Family-sized rice cooker (clean and in excellent condition, if used; new preferred – all our families use rice in cuisine)
- Large soup pot
- Colander/strainer (new)
- Plastic wrap and foil (new)
- Bins for rice, tea, and sugar
- Grocery Gift Card to Aldi, Price Rite, Tops, Walmart, Wegmans (any amount helps!)
