Donate Items

We are so thankful you’ve thought of giving supplies to HOPE 4 Youth. Since we serve on-the-go young people, there’s always a big need for things like gas cards, single-serving beverages, foods that travel well and personal hygiene items. We also stock a closet with clothing commonly needed by young people facing homelessness. New socks and underwear, stylish t-shirts and sweatpants are always helpful.

Because we don’t serve young children and older adults, and due to limited storage space, we are unable to take donations from certain categories.

This page contains lists of our most needed items and things we cannot accept. It is helpful to read through the information, including a note about gently used items, before gathering supplies for us.

Details about delivering supplies, hosting supply drives and giving through Target and Amazon are listed below the donation information.

A NOTE ABOUT GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: Thanks to some generous local troops, our shelves are full of yummy cookies, and we can’t accept more at this time. If you’re planning to donate cookies this year, please consider other local nonprofits. 

Items we need

These supplies are always among our top needs, and we greatly appreciate receiving them:

  • $20 gas cards
  • Restaurant gift cards
  • Bottled water
  • Gatorade

In addition to the items above, our other top needs are collected in a list that is updated twice a month.

View and download a copy of the latest needs list.

Since we serve young people on the move, donations of travel-size and single-serving foods are most helpful:

  • Cookies and crackers
  • Fruit and pudding cups
  • Jerky packets
  • Noodle meals like Yakisoba and Ramen
  • Microwavable beef stews
  • Microwavable soups
  • Nuts and trail mixes
  • Ethnic hair products
  • Deodorant
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Toothpaste
  • Tooth brushes
  • Body wash

We appreciate getting the following clothing items in any size but are often most in need of larger ones, including XL – 4XL.

Women:

  • New bras and sports bras
  • New bikini underwear
  • New and gently used yoga pants and leggings

Men:

  • New boxers and boxer briefs 
  • New crew-neck t-shirts 

Both:

  • New ankle (no-show) socks
  • New and gently used tennis shoes
  • New and gently used stylish t-shirts
  • New and gently used jeans and sweatpants

When considering a clothing donation, ask yourself if you would give it to a teenager in your family. If the answer is yes, it’s likely a good fit for HOPE 4 Youth.

The youth we serve are often mobile, so bed and bath supplies that can be packed into backpacks and duffel bags are appreciated. Helpful items include:

  • New fleece or tie-blankets
  • New travel-size pillows and pillowcases
  • New and like-new bath towels
  • New and like-new backpacks and duffel bags

We appreciate getting the following clothing items in any size but are often most in need of larger ones, including XL – 4XL.

Spring/Summer/Fall:

  • New and gently used windbreakers, fleece and light jackets
  • New and gently used rainwear
  • New and gently used sandals and flip-flops
  • Umbrellas

Winter:

  • New thermal underwear
  • New wool socks
  • New and gently used coats
  • New and gently used snow pants
  • New and gently used boots

When deciding whether to include a gently used item in your donation, ask yourself if it is something you would consider giving to a family friend or young coworker. If you would, include it in your donation to HOPE 4 Youth. If not, check the list of other charities we work with to see if there is another organization that could use the item in question.

We are unable to accept clothing of any kind that is stained or has rips, missing buttons or broken zippers, or has pet hair. 

Items we cannot accept

Because we serve only 16- through 24-year-olds, we are unable to take some types of clothing and accessories. And due to limited storage space, we cannot accept most kitchen, bedroom and home decor supplies.

For your convenience, we’ve included links to partner charities that take things we aren’t able to handle.

  • Expired items
  • Perishable foods
  • Foods in extra-large containers 
  • Used or expired makeup and supplies
  • Used brushes and combs
  • Used or opened products
  • Clothing styled for babies, young children and senior citizens
  • Hand-knit or crocheted hats, scarves or mittens
  • Clothing with company names and logos
  • Clothing from fundraising events
  • Used underwear
  • Used socks
  • Men’s suits and ties
  • Women’s formal dresses
  • Women’s dressy high heels or high-heeled boots

A note about women’s apparel and accessories: Our resale boutique does accept a limited number of new and near-new items for its inventory. Donations are made at a separate location. Visit our Hope’s Closet page for details.

  • Bedding
  • Afghans and quilts
  • Curtains
  • Dishes and glasses
  • Pots and pans
  • Silverware and other utensils
  • Toys, games and books
  • Sleeping bags
  • Suitcases
  • Tents

A note about small home-decor accessories: Our resale boutique does accept a limited number of new and near-new items for its inventory. Donations are made at a separate location. Visit our Hope’s Closet page for details.

Anoka Community Mission/Little  Blessings serves families with babies and young children. Connect with this organization to donate baby and children’s clothing, toys, books and other equipment for youngsters. (763-427-1833)

Anoka Community  Brotherhood Council (ACBC) Food Shelf serves people in need in Anoka County. Connect with this charity to donate clothing for all ages not served by HOPE 4 Youth, linens, bedding, books and toys. (763-422-0046) 

The Twin Cities Salvation Army serves people in need across the metro area. Connect with this nonprofit for a wide variety of donations, including clothing, furniture and household goods. (800-456-4483)

The Animal Humane Society in Coon Rapids accepts old towels and blankets that do not contain stuffing. Call ahead to ensure these items are currently needed. (952-435-7738)

Delivery details

Supply donations from individuals and groups are accepted at our HOPE 4 Youth Donation Center in Anoka on Wed. and Sat. from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and by appointment on other days. (Please note: We cannot accept donations at our administrative offices in Coon Rapids.)

Our donations center entrance is at the end of a large wooden ramp outside of our facility at 2665 4th Ave. N. in Anoka (map).

Park on Pleasant Street, and look for the HOPE 4 Youth sign by the wooden ramp when delivering your donations (see photo).

View of your donation area from Pleasant Street.

Supply drives

You can also help us by hosting a HOPE 4 Youth Supply Drive in your neighborhood or at your workplace. We can help you to design a drive that will have the biggest impact on the youth we serve.

Contact Nikki Kalvin, our manager of community engagement, to get started. Email nkalvin@hope4youthmn.org or call 763.323.2066, ext. 102. 

Give supplies through Target and Amazon

Here’s an even easier way to help! If you’re a Target or Amazon shopper, you can order from our online wish lists and have the supplies shipped directly to us.

View our Target wish list.

View our Amazon wish list.

Bonus: If you use the AmazonSmile when you shop, you can make HOPE 4 Youth your charity of choice, and AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to us. Learn more about AmazonSmile. 

Still have questions about giving supplies? Contact Nikki: nkalvin@hope4youthmn.org or 763.323.2066, ext. 102.