In-Kind Donations

The Receiving Center is MOVING!

Beginning July 30, the Preble Street Receiving Center will move to its new location at the Preble Street Food Security Hub at 75 Darling Avenue, South Portland, ME. Donation hours will also be expanded to 9AM – 3PM, Tuesday through Friday.

The new location offers more space to store clothing and essential items, along with improved parking, making volunteering and donating clothes more convenient than ever. The Receiving Center will be closed Monday, July 22, through Friday, July 26, to make the move.

We appreciate your support and patience during this transition and look forward to seeing you at the new location!

People who experience chronic homelessness have prolonged sun exposure, putting them at much higher risk of eye and skin damage from the sun. Please consider donating hats, sunglasses, light long sleeve t-shirts and pants, and even sunscreen to Preble Street to protect vulnerable community members from the sun’s harmful impacts.

SAVE TIME BY ORDERING FROM OUR AMAZING WISH LIST!

Spring & Summer 2024 Top Needs

Please only donate new or gently used items. If using black trash bags, please make sure items are thoughtfully sorted.

SOCKS!
NEW or gently used, durable sneakers, Sandals (flats only), flip flops, and slides
Blankets (new or like new, clean, free of pet fur)
Men’s pants (sizes 28-34)
Women’s pants (sizes 0-6)
Water bottles
Sunscreen
NEW or gently used baseball hats and bandanas
Sunglasses
Sweatpants
Sweatshirts/hoodies (All Sizes)
Backpacks, tote bags, duffle bags, suitcases
NEW men’s boxers and boxer briefs, all sizes
NEW women’s cotton underwear, small – x-large (5-9)
Durable raincoats and ponchos
NEW sports bras, all sizes
Lightweight jackets
Plain t-shirts, all genders, all adult sizes.
Tank tops
Casual dresses
Athletic shorts and non-athletic shorts
Leggings: all adult sizes
Sweatpants
Belts

Food

Ground coffee
Jelly (smaller jars preferred)
Juices
Canned meats (tuna, chicken and Spam)
Marinara sauce (jars or flip top cans)
Canned black beans (flip top cans preferred)
Dried pasta of any kind
Hearty canned or jarred soups
Canned or jarred stews (beef stew, chili with meat, vegetarian options, etc.)
Oatmeal (especially microwaveable and flavored packets)
Hot Chocolate packets
Ensure Protein Shakes
Cheese (especially American and Cheddar)
Soft granola bars
Cereal
Pancake mixes
Snack items (microwave popcorn, packaged nuts, chocolate covered raisins/almonds, yogurt covered raisins/almonds, etc.)
Condiments (salad dressings, mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup, oil & vinegar)
Pickles
Holiday treats/snacks

Clothing

(new or very gently used/consignment ready) no stains, rips and ready to wear

WE COLLECT WINTER GEAR YEAR ROUND, UP TO AND INCLUDING… coats, boots, waterproof gloves, thermal gear, snow pants.

NEW or very gently used boots, sneakers, or sturdy shoes (especially sizes 10 and up)
NEW men’s boxers and boxer briefs: small and medium sizes
NEW women’s cotton underwear: small and medium sizes
NEW bras (especially sizes A, B, and C)
NEW sports bras
Jeans and casual pants: men’s 28”-38”
Leggings: all adult sizes
Plain t-shirts: (especially L, XL, and 2XL)
Sweatpants: all adult sizes
Hoodies: M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X
NEW socks

Shelter Essentials

Tents and tarps (earth tones preferred)
Sleeping bags and sleeping mats
Sleeping bag liners
Hand/toe warmers
Backpacks
Tote bags
Tarps
Towels
Duffle bags
Laundry detergent

Personal Hygiene Products

Chapstick
Toothbrushes
Shampoo and conditioner
Hairbrushes, wide tooth combs
Products for Afro-textured hair
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Hand/Body lotion
Period care products
Deodorant
Razors
First aid kits
Shaving cream
Soap
Toothpaste
Band-Aids
Towels
Toiletries, travel or full-sized

Group Supplies

NEW home cleaning supplies for housing-first tenants
- Brooms, Mops, Plungers, and Dustpans
Alarm Clocks
Plastic totes with lids
Gel pens
Art and craft supplies
Bus tickets
Board games
Books
Date books
ESL books
Vehicles – Through the v-Dac Vehicle Donation Program, any car, truck, boat, or RV can benefit Preble Street.

You can raise awareness of the needs of teens and adults experiencing homelessness and help get others involved by organizing a food, clothing, or toiletry drive (PDF) to help us stock our shelves. See the current printable wish list.

WHEN AND WHERE TO DONATE

Food

Food Security Hub
75 Darling Ave, South Portland
Volunteer Entrance (ring the bell)
7 days a week: 7am-5pm

Non-food items

We can only accept certain items, and all must be new or gently used. Please make sure items are thoughtfully sorted. Thank you!

Receiving Center New Location, starting July 30
75 Darling Ave, South Portland
Located @front of the building
Tuesday-Friday: 9am-3pm

or ship to
Preble Street
55 Portland Street
Portland, ME 04101