Donate items

Give new or gently-used items

When families arrive at New Hope, they usually have very few personal possessions. One of the ways we welcome them into our shelter is by supplying them with fresh clean sheets, towels, toiletries, and other items they need to make them feel comfortable, peaceful, and safe. We rely on donations of new and gently-used items to provide this important support to the families we serve.

Immediate Needs

(updated 2/18/2026)

  • Disinfecting wipes

  • Paper towels

  • Toilet paper

  • Dish soap and dishwasher detergent pods

  • Laundry detergent pods (“free & clear” for sensitive skin)

  • Cleaning supplies (toilet, bath, kitchen, glass/window, etc.)

  • Diapers (sizes 3–8) and Pull-ups (any size)

  • Baby wipes (unscented)

  • Baby care (baby wash, lotion, shampoo, rash cream)

  • Toothpaste and Toothbrushes

  • Shampoo and Conditioner (including natural hair care products)

  • Body wash

  • Deodorant

  • Sheets and Blankets (twin and queen size)

  • Forks and Spoons

  • Baking dishes and sheet pans

  • Pots and pans (with lids)

  • Bed pillows

  • Trash bags (heavy duty 30-gallon or 13-gallon tall kitchen size)

  • Over-the-counter medicines (children and adult)

  • Kroger gift cards

Please contact us in advance to arrange delivery or if you have any questions. Call our office at 812-334-9840 and select option 3 or send email to thom@newhope4families.org

How to Donate

Please contact us in advance to make arrangements for donations. Because our shelter is devoted to housing families, we have minimal space for storing items, so we may not be able to accept certain items at any given time.

Items We Always Accept

Download “Items We Always Accept” List (PDF)

We accept donations of items you probably use every day: toilet paper, paper towels, diapers and baby wipes, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, other toiletries, laundry detergent, disinfecting wipes and cleaning supplies, adhesive bandages and over-the-counter medicines, just to name a few. Since we serve families, we need “family size” packages. Samples or travel size toiletries are not ideal for our families’ needs.

When families move out of our shelter and into their new home, in most cases, they are starting out from scratch. They we need what most anyone would need when moving out on their own for the first time: sheets and blankets, pillows and mattress covers, bath towels and wash clothes, kitchen towels and window curtains, plates and glasses, pots and pans, shower curtains and area rugs, trash cans and trash bags.

Other important items we always accept include non-perishable food, Pack ‘n Plays, plastic storage tubs, Kroger gift cards, and Bloomington Transit bus tickets.

Items We Do Not Accept

Download “Items We Do Not Accept” List (PDF)

We are not able to accept donations of clothes, shoes, toys, furniture or appliances. We encourage everyone to consider donating to one of our community partners.

Adult clothes and shoes, tents and sleeping bags, travel-size toiletries

Clothing and Toys

Furniture and Appliances

If you have questions about whether we need or accept specific items, please contact us by email at thom@newhope4families.org or by phone at 812-334-9840, option 3.

Deducting the value of your gift

As a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, donations to New Hope for Families are tax deductible. We are not allowed to assess the value of items donated to us. Please consult a tax professional. EIN: 27-5077191