In-Kind Donations

Central Iowa Shelter & Services is thankful to receive many donations every day. However, there are some items that we cannot use to help our clients that may be better suited for other organizations. Please review our donation policy below to help us best serve our clients.

Current Needs

Spring & Summer

Men and Women’s Summer Clothing
Can Openers, Pots, Pans, Plates, Bowls, Silverware
Travel-size Shampoo, Deodorant, Disposable Razors, Towels
New Underwear (in various sizes)
Shower Sandals, Tissue Packs, Antacid, Tylenol/Advil, 3 oz. Disposable Cups
Canned food (high-protein with easy open top preferred)

Fall & Winter

Coats, Hats, Gloves, Hand Warmers, Cough Drops
Canned Food: high-protein, easy-open top preferred
Can Openers, Pots, Pans, Plates, Bowls, Silverware
Travel-size Shampoo, Deodorant, Disposable Razors, Towels
New Underwear (in various sizes), Men’s New or Gently Used Pants, Shoes, & Socks
Shower Sandals, Tissue Packs, Antacid, Tylenol/Advil, 3 oz. Disposable Cups

Where to Donate Items

Drop off or mail-in donations to:
Central Iowa Shelter & Services
1420 Mulberry Street
Des Moines, IA 50309

Our ability to accept donations is subject to change due to the number of donations already received and limited storage. Donation hours are from Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Please call 515-284-5719 ahead of time to arrange a large donation or if you are making a special trip to donate. Volunteers/Staff have the right to not accept any donations.

Items We Accept:

New or gently used clothing for adult men and women
Non-perishable food items
Basic kitchen supplies (plates, bowls, cups, silverware, cooking utensils, pots/pans, can openers)
Linens (twin-sized bedding, towels, pillows, pillowcases)
New, unopened hygiene supplies and toiletries
Grocery bags
Dog and cat food
Bus tokens
Backpacks
Notebooks
Monetary gifts
Fresh produce

Donate Leftovers
Make your meals matter. Your unserved leftover food can become meals for Central Iowa Shelter & Services. To donate, call 515-564-5752. (Concerns? The Emerson Good Samaritan Act of 1996 protects you.)

Items We Do Not Accept:

Children’s clothing
Toys
Furniture
Appliances
Books
Medical Equipment
Television sets
Electronics
Cribs/car seats/strollers/baby items
Home decor
Movies
Craft/art items

Other Organizations

There may be other organizations in the community that can take the items we cannot. Before visiting or donating to these organizations, please contact them to make sure they can accept your donation.

Salvation Army Thrift Store
133 East 2nd Street, Des Moines
4620 SE 14th Street, Des Moines
105 East Euclid Avenue, Des Moines
708 South Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny
515-543-4277

Bidwell Riverside
1203 Hartford Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50315
515-244-6251

St. Mary Family Center
1815 Hubbell Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50316
515-262-7290

Society of St. Vincent de Paul
1426 Sixth Ave.
109 SW 63rd St.
515-282-8328

Food Rescue
please contact Eat Greater Des Moines at 515-491-1891.