Immediate Needs

For the past two years, we at Shelter KC – like the rest of the world – have been busy working to meet the challenges of COVID-19. At this time, our goals are simple but not easy…to do our very best to keep our guests encouraged, sheltered, fed and safe. "Safe and responsible" are our guiding principles as we make decisions about our services, staff and finances. Keeping up with everyday supplies is especially challenging! We appreciate your interest in helping stock our supplies. Here are our most pressing needs:

Go here to read answers to frequently asked questions about giving in-kind donations. Please bring men's items to our Administrative Office at 1520 Cherry in KCMO. Women's items can be brought to 2611 E 11th in KCMO. We can assist you with your donation(s) and provide you with a receipt.

NEEDS THAT ARE BOLD INDICATE OUR MOST URGENT NEEDS.

Misc Needs

  • Women's PJ sets (sizes Large - 3XL)
  • Combination locks
  • Backpacks
  • Diamond dots (assorted)
  • Adult coloring books

Food Needs

*please do not donate spoiled or expired food

  • Sliced bread
  • Lunch meat
  • Sliced cheese
  • Hamburgers and hotdogs
  • Cold cereals
  • Food handling gloves and caps
  • Canned goods (fruits & vegetables) 
  • Bottled water

Shower Kit Needs

  • Sunscreen
  • Fingernail Clippers
  • Shaving cream
  • Disposable razors
  • Shower shoes or flip flops, all sizes
  • Travel size mouthwash (alcohol-free)
  • Washcloths and towels
  • Travel size lotion

Medical Needs

  • Band-Aids - all sizes
  • Gloves, size M

ongoing needs

  • Weekly pill containers
  • Benedryl or generic
  • Any allergy OTC med in generic form
  • Personal facial tissue packs

Women's Center Needs

(New or gently used only, please. We can only accept in-season clothing.)

  • Backpacks 
  • Conditioner
  • Body wash 
  • African American Hair Products (shampoo, conditioner, hair oil, pro-style clear gel (clear & dark), firm brushes) 
  • Water bottles 
  • Round & square laundry baskets 
  • Large towels/ washcloths

Men's Center Needs

(New or gently used only, please. We can only accept in-season clothing.

  • Undershirts, sizes 2XL and 3XL, new only
  • T-shirts, all sizes
  • Small, medium, 4XL boxers and briefs, new only
  • Men's pants, 28 to 34
  • Men's shirts, large sizes, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X
  • New or gently used jeans, all sizes 
  • Sneakers sized 10 through 12
  • Giant print Bibles (font size 13 or larger)
  • Gloves and stocking caps
  • Deodorant

Housekeeping Needs

  • Glass cleaner
  • Toilet bowl cleaner
  • XL exam gloves
  • Liquid HE laundry detergent (no pods, please)

Items We CANNOT Use

From time to time, a well-meaning donor will bring in donations we are unable to use. Some items don’t match the population we serve and other items may be broken, and we cannot make needed repairs. Below is a list of items we simply can’t use - we knew you’d want to know. Thank you for your generosity and partnership!

  • Old, outdated electronic equipment (please call before donating any computer-related item)
  • Televisions
  • Beds, mattresses, bed frames
  • Sofa sleepers
  • Stoves
  • Refrigerators
  • Dishwashers
  • Clothes washers and dryers
  • Used underwear
  • Used socks
  • Children’s items (clothing, toys, etc.)
  • Spoiled or expired food
  • Bars of Soap

Special Requests

Occasionally, we will have a special request. To be alerted about those needs, follow our Facebook page.

Thank you for your generosity!

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