Metro East – Organizations Collecting Donations

African Vision of Hope
Stackable Chairs, Farming and Gardening Tools, Foldable Tables, Bookshelves, School Supplies (See Full List), Medical Supplies (Call our office at 618.288.7695 for Full List), Science, Chemistry and Biology Books, Blackberry Phones, Computers and Flat Screens, Bookbags, Leather Shoes or Good Tennis Shoes (No Canvas, please), Sets of Bed Sheets (Fitted, Top Sheets and Pillow Cases), Plastic Tubs and Containers, Watering Cans, Buckets, Reusable Water Bottles, Pocket Dictionaries, Devotionals

Allison’s Angel Gowns
Allison’s Angel Gowns accepts gently used wedding gown donations. (CURRENTLY not accepting – In urgent need of more seamstresses.) (They also take white tissue paper, medium padded mailers, white cardstock paper, white address labels, office max gift cards, and white printer paper) They take gently used wedding gowns and transform them into beautiful gowns for angel babies. Their gowns come in four different sizes to fit from the smallest preemie to a full term baby. Currently they serve the St Louis and Metro East area hospitals. Their angel gowns are offered free of charge to anyone who loses a child and would like one. They run strictly on donations and are always accepting gently used wedding gowns, and always looking for skilled seamstresses to help them in their ministry. Make sure you check out our angel Allison’s story on Facebook! They have several drop off facilities throughout the St Louis and Metro East areas. Please attach your name and contact information to the gowns when using one of their drop off facilities. Here is the Edwardsville location:
Afterwords Books
232 S. Buchanan ST
Edwardsville, Illinois 62025

American Legion – Edwardsville
Edwardsville American Legion collects warm socks, blankets, and winter hats for Operation Warm Troops. They provide these Items to service members being medevac from Afghanistan to LRMC in Germany and then again stateside. It gets very cold at the higher altitudes. You may take donations to the legion or give them to a member.
Drop off at American Legion in Edwardsville,  across from the middle school.

Bi-State Pet Food Pantry
When families fall on hard times, Bi-State Pet Food Pantry is happy to know that they can help them care for their four-legged family members! Here is our wish list: Cash donations (any amount will be graciously accepted), Gift cards (any amount) to PetSmart, PetCo, Target, and Wal-Mart, any size bags of dry dog food, opened or unopened (See drop-off locations here), any size bags of dry cat food, opened or unopened, canned dog food, unopened, canned cat food, unopened, dog or cat treats, unopened or opened, cat litter, unopened or opened, free or cheap storage for pantry. Drop off at PetCo in Edwardsville.
* Please note: Pet food should have some sort of meat as the FIRST ingredient. We ask that people not donate food with corn as the first ingredient as it is harder on animals’ stomachs. Like Bi-State Pet Food Pantry on facebook.

Chicks with Sticks – Troy
This is a group is a group of women who meet once a week at Troy United Methodist Church, but is not limited to TUMC members. Anyone is welcome to join us. They have grown to be a faithful group of women who gather for fellowship and support, sharing new ideas and patterns, and knit and/or crochet a variety of items for charity.  If you don’t know how to knit or crochet but would like to learn, they can teach you. They have the supplies needed to get started. If you would like to support the group in another way, they gratefully accept donations of yarn.

Churches on the Streets STL
Churches on the Streets is a non profit organization – Christians sharing the love of Jesus to those homeless and hurting of Saint Louis & worldwide. We meet every Monday night at 6:00 pm and help those homeless with food, clothing, blankets, toiletries, etc, encouragement, the Word and other practical resources. They accept seasonal items. . Please NO off season or impractical clothing.
Currently accepting like – Light jackets/hoodies, Men’s and women’s jeans/khaki pants and practical tops only,Socks (new or gently used), New underwear/boxers, Sturdy tennis shoes, Blankets/sleeping bags, Wash cloths/towels, Bibles, Flashlights/batteries, Pillar candles, Battery operated lanterns, Backpacks/duffle bags,  Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, deoderant, soap, toothpaste/brushes, hair brush/combs, lotion, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, wet wipes, ibuprofen. Pre-packaged chips, peanuts, crackers, Pop tarts, ind oatmeal packets, pull top can food, other prepackaged foods, Cases of bottled water/juice ,  paper plates, food service items etc.

Cinderella Affair – Bunker Hill
The Cinderella Affair, based in Bunker Hill, Illinois, is a charity to help girls that can’t afford to go to homecoming / prom. We do the girls hair, makeup, nails, shoes, jewelry and provide food for their day of pampering. We ask for nothing in return. Do you have dresses laying around that you’ve tried to sell and can’t ? Do you just want them gone? We’ll be happy to take them and any other items (Shoes, Glitzy belts,Little bags, Jewelry, etc.) just let us know. If you know of a girl looking for a dress please let me know! Also, we look for folks who want to join us in pampering these girls. We happily accept volunteers! Call if you have any questions or know of a girl who needs the Cinderella Affair!! Also, we are looking for others who do this to possible trade, share ideas and or give advice. Thanks so much! Wanda Lucas (618-520-6521)

Collinsville Charities for Children
A charity group that provides underprivileged children with shoes. It’s that time of year again where we need your help!! We are holding our annual sock drive so that each child that receives a new pair of shoes and have a fresh pack of socks to go with them!
Packs of plain white socks for children K-4th can be dropped off at the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce, FCB Collinsville Bank (Beltline Rd), FCB Maryville Bank, FCB Caseyville Bank, and TheBank of Edwardsville (Collinsville Branch).

Collinsville Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Materials sold by Habitat ReStores are usually donated from individuals, building supply stores, contractors, or demolition crews who wish to show their support for Habitat. In addition to raising funds, ReStores help the environment by rechanneling good, usable materials into use. Click on the link to see the full listing of donations
Habitat ReStores are retail outlets where quality used and surplus building materials are sold at a fraction of normal prices. Proceeds from ReStores help local affiliates fund the construction of Habitat houses within the community.
Donations are accepted during business hours only.

Community Hope Center – Cottage Hills
Food, clothing, household donations, and cash accepted. Please contact center for drop off information. The Community Hope Center was established in April of 1988 as a nonprofit corporation complying with all applicable laws and requirements of federal, state, and local governments. Our main and primary purpose is to help the poor, homeless, children, and the elderly in Illinois area with programs that meet their individual needs. The Center is solely supported by local businesses, foundations, private donations, and receives no state funding.

Equipping the Called
Foster Care Closet -Our ministry has begun stocking a storage unit with new and gently used clothes and other items for local Madison County and surrounding area families with new or recently moved placements. We provide diapers, wipes, infant needs, infant and children’s clothing, and equipment for free to foster families in need.
Currently we are in need of: crib sheets, twin-sized sheet sets, new sippy cups & bottles, new bibs and receiving blankets, teen clothing, baby wash, lotions (baby lotion & diaper rash lotion), baby shampoo and kid shampoo, child toothbrushes and toothpaste, baby and child brush and comb sets, and infant nail clippers.
Do you have extra laundry baskets or bookbags in excellent used condition or new? We are always needing these items to give when items are going to new homes with the children.
Teen Clothing

Glen Ed Food Pantry
School supplies  – clear protractors, combination locks, #2 pencils colored pencils, dry erase black markers, wide and thin book bags, elmers glue sticks, storage boxes in primary colors (cigar box size), highlighters
Food  –  Canned fruit: peaches, pears, pineapple and fruit cocktail cereal, ketchup, pasta sauce, baked beans, peas, canned meat: chicken and tuna, canned potatoes, stove top stuffing, ramen noodles
Personal care   –  Personal hygiene items are always needed: toilet tissue, paper towels, tooth paste, tooth brushes,shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and tissues. Liquid laundry detergent is always appreciated. We know these items are relatively expensive and can’t be purchased with food stamps so it’s nice to be able to offer them. Many thanks.

Good Samaritan House – Granite City
Need items for transitional living, especially donations of new underwear and bras. Please see link to contact center directly.

Current Wish List

Hope Rescues 
WISH LIST wire dog crates,  exercise pens, baby gates, dog toys, treats, chewies, brushes, nail clippers, etc., new or gently used dog beds, new or old towels, sheets, blankets and rugs, flea preventative – advantage for dogs, new or gently used harnesses, collars, leashes, gentle leaders, bleach, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, dish soap,  fairly new desktop computers, laptops or printers, office and copy supplies or gift certificates for office supply or photocopy stores, gift certificates or debit cards for discount or club stores, pre-paid gasoline debit cards, gift certificates for pet supply stores or online shopping sites.

International Hospitality program – SIUE
The International Hospitality Program (IHP) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is seeking donations of gently used and new items to welcome the campus population of international students and help them adjust to life in the United States.
Items needed: small sofas and futons, light recliners, coffee tables, small computer desks, twin beds, mattresses, blankets, sheets, towels, wash cloths, vacuum cleaners, dishes, pots and pans, blenders, microwaves, silverware, and basic kitchen utensils are among some of the other items needed.
For information about the variety of items that are needed, or to make arrangements to have items collected, contact Susan Jernigan at sjernigan@charter.net or Joyce Schrader at jjschrader@aol.com.

Little Free Library (2 Locations)
Free library open to community. Donate… borrow… lend… titles for all ages and interests.
1. Edwardsville Township Park (Airplane Park), Near the Boundless Playground
2. Watershed Nature Center

Main Street Community Center – Edwardsville
We would appreciate items with value of $1 or higher:
children’s toys in good/excellent condition – especially educational-type toys ,children’s books in excellent condition; Jewelry – Especially necklaces, bracelets, watches and headbands; Fashion scarves and belts in good/excellent condition; Household decorative items – vases, bowls, decorator plates, candlesticks, holiday décor, pictures, frames, etc.;
Purses – cloth/leather bags in good/excellent condition, Specialized clothing – Good/excellent condition only please, sweaters, tops, slacks & skirts – all ages

Items they will not accept: Anything with a cord, clothing with holes, stains, faded, etc., earrings, sets of dishes, glasses & cups; adult books (If these are received they will be used for lending library)

Making a Difference

Maryville Outreach Center
Donations of non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, paper products, and laundry/cleaning supplies may be dropped off at the Outreach Center during Food Pantry hours. Tuesdays: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, Wednesdays: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Thursdays: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Saturdays: 10:00 AM to 12 Noon
We are asking for the following donations during the month of May. Fruit – Peaches, Pears & Pineapple, Hamburger Helper®, Spaghetti Sauce, Pudding, Shampoo, Laundry Detergent. Other ideas – coffee, tea, juice, Kool-Aid, sugar, flour, oil, cereal, Pop Tarts, pancake mix, syrup, oatmeal, condiments, personal hygiene products, cleaning products, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, canned meats, and canned fruit.
Donations of household items suitable for resale may be dropped off at the Outreach Center during Grandma’s Attic hours (see above). Grandma’s Attic does NOT accept furniture or electronics.

Metro East Humane Society
MEHS is always in need of the following supplies: Clay cat litter, canned cat & dog food, paper towels, heavy-duty dog chew toys, dog and cat treats, Cat beds, Cleaning supplies — bleach, liquid laundry detergent.

Mosaic Pregnancy & Health Centers – Granite City & Belleville
Accepts new baby items such as diapers, wipes, safety items, crib sheets, onsies, etc. Also accept gently used larger items such as car seats, strollers, etc. You can drop off any donations at Granite City location M-Th, 9-5 or at the Belleville location T,W,F, 9-5. Thank you!

Oasis Women’s Center – Alton
Wish List: furniture, appliances, bedding, home goods, toys, books, clothing. Anything – these donations are for women trying to recreate their lives. Please call the shelter directly at (618) 465-1978 and ask how to donate your items.

Parents Now
Wish List items: diapers, wipes, baby clothes, strollers, high chairs, cribs, bedding, or any gently used baby item, etc. to the Parents N.O.W. shop.  ALSO—check Parents NOW bulletin board for current needs. Bethalto Christian Church.

Partners for Pets
Wish List items: Canned or pouch food for dogs or cats, clay cat litter, bleach, dog and cat beds, wire (foldable) and plastic crates, cleaning supplies, paper towels, towels and blankets,  newspaper, Cash (for vet bills), Gift Cards (gas, Walmart, Petsmart, Visa or MC),  gift certificates, sports tickets (to auction), and auctionable gifts

Project Ava – Edwardsville
Supporting at-risk children and parents by aligning with established community agencies.
-Always Value Another. They accept financial donations and are seeking volunteers who have been called for kindness.

Restore Decor – Edwardsville
Takes used wooden furniture and home decor items. No upholstery items. They can provide a tax-deductible receipt for your charitable contributions. Please contact Restore Decor via email with a picture of your donation restoredecoredwardsville@gmail.com
Restore Decor is a non-profit resale and consignment shop for gently used furniture and home decor. All proceeds support local non profits. 

Ride for Reading
Takes children’s and early teen book donations on an ongoing basis at The Cyclery.  Our purpose is to promote literacy and healthy lifestyle through book deliveries via bicycle to children in low-income schools in the Metro East area. We are a not-for-profit organization that operates through donations of children’s books and volunteer cyclists who deliver the books.Please contact Shannon at mcwhosx6@gmail.com. http://www.rideforreading.org/

St. John’s – Collinsville
St. John’s Community Care offers a free medical equipment loan program at the Collinsville location.  Anyone wishing to make a donation to our loan program may drop off small medical equipment (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday except holidays) to supplement our inventory knowing that it will help someone in need. They take –  wheelchairs, walkers, commodes, bath chairs, crutches, canes and more.

Support the Girls – Edwardsville
Homeless women need bras and feminine hygiene products. Help ‘support the girls’, by donating new or used bras/sports bras, maxipads, and tampons.
Please let me know if you’d like to run a quick bra drive for Support the Girls-Edwardsville. It’s easy to do a quick collection at your gyms, neighborhood, churches, organizations, and jobs! You just need a flyer and a couple of boxes or bags in a convenient location. It’s simple to help local women in need!