In-kind Gifts
Urban Ministries of Durham relies heavily on in-kind or non-cash gifts of goods and services. In fact, we could not operate without them.
In Fiscal Year 2009-2010 UMD received $786,608 of in-kind gifts and services.
The types of items and services that we can use are virtually endless, but a list of some of our most-needed items is provided below:
Overnight Shelter and Journey Program
With over 100 guests in the shelter each night, we go through a lot of supplies. We can always use:
- Towels
- Twin size bed linens and blankets
- Pillows
- Laundry detergent
- Bath soap
- Toilet tissue
- Cleaning supplies
Community Café
In the Café, which serves 500-600 meals a day every day, approximately 90% of the food is donated. The remainder is purchased at either reduced prices from the Food Bank or Interfaith Food Shuttle or on occasion from wholesales grocery stores.
Other items we need include large volume sizes of coffee and drink mixes, plastic utensils, napkins, and paper towels, wrapping films and trash bags.
Planning a large party, event or gathering? Keep us in mind if you have leftovers.
Consider holding a food drive or get a group together to make Casseroles or Sandwiches and Cookies for the Café.
Food Pantry & Clothing Closet
We assist over 400 households each month with groceries and clothing. In 2009-2010 the Food Pantry distributed 67,917 pounds of food, a 50% increase over last year. The Clothing Closet distributed 47,964 articles of clothing, a 50% increase over last year.
For grocery packages, non-perishable items in non-glass containers are preferred. Canned meats, stews and vegetables are always needed, as are hygiene items.
View the full list or get a group together to assemble hygiene kits.
We welcome donations of food and clothing from individuals and groups. Many people organize drives to collect and donate items such as new, adult & children's underwear, socks, wash cloths & twin blankets. Nonperishable or quality perishable foods, canned goods, toilet paper, diapers and baby food are also always welcome. We need women's, children's, and men's clothing (season appropriate), shoes and work boots. Due to storage considerations, we will commonly only have space for the clothing that is suited for the season (ie no swimwear in January, or overcoats in July).
Please contact the Durham Economic Resource Center (DERC) at 919-683-2567 if you have clothing items to donate.
Other Goods and Services We Need
- Gift cards, bus passes, phone cards for clients to get to and from appointments and job interviews, and for moving into new housing
- General office supplies and equipment
- Services such as printing, graphic design, copy-writing, information technology or other professional services
For more information on in-kind gifts, please contact Lee Nelson at (919) 682-0538 ext. 126.
