Get Help
Donation Acceptance Guide
Every item you donate helps meet the day-to-day needs of families in our care, making their transition safer, smoother, and more comfortable.
High-need items:
Family Promise always has a need for these essential items:
- Twin-size sheets, mattress covers, & blankets
- NEW Bed pillows
- Bath towels
- Toilet paper
- Diapers & pull-ups, sizes 4-3T
- FULL-SIZE Shampoo & conditioner
*textured haircare products appreciated - FULL-SIZE Body wash
*please no bar soap - Children & adult toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Pantry-stable meals & snacks
- Pack-and-plays
- Gas gift cards and single-ride bus passes
We also take:
We are also happy to accept donations of these items:
- Feminine hygiene products
- Mens & womens deodorant
- Baby wipes
- Diapers & pull-ups, sizes N-3
- All-purpose spray & wipes
- Liquid dish & hand soap
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Laundry detergent
- Paper towel
- Brooms, mops, sponges, & cleaning buckets
- Queen-size sheets & blankets
- Shower curtains & hooks
- NEW Kitchenware (dishware, flatware, cookware, utensils)
- NEW Small kitchen appliances (coffee pots, toasters, griddles)
Items we DO NOT accept:
Because of our small donation space, we cannot accept all goods on behalf of our families. At this time, we do not accept:
- Clothing
- Travel-size toiletries
- Furniture or mattresses
- Books, toys, or stuffed animals
- Car seats or strollers
- Home decor
- Large appliances
Donation Drop-Off
Open drop-off hours will be announced soon.
Please email volunteer@familypromisewm.org or call 616-202-1544 to schedule a drop-off at this time. Thank you!
Activate Your Community
Gather your office, school, or community together to empower neighbors and help Family Promise end homelessness one family at a time. For more information and to coordinate a group giving opportunity, contact volunteer@familypromisewm.org or call 616-202-1544.
Collect Essential Items
Hosting a drive for essential items allows your support to have an even greater impact while raising awareness and fostering team bonding.
Assemble Care Packages
Whether moving into shelter or a new home, families need supplies to support a smooth transition. Curated care packages, like toiletry totes and cleaning buckets, set families up for success.
Organize a Fundraiser
Maybe it’s a casual dress day, walk-a-thon, trivia night, or classroom penny drive. We invite your creative ideas to raise funds, goods, and awareness to support Family Promise’s work.
Donation FAQs
Do you accept used items or only new?
While our preference is for new items, we do accept gently used linens, pack-and-plays, and some household items. As a general rule, only donate used items you would feel comfortable giving to a loved one. All donated items should be free of stains, damage/tears, and odors. Items like personal hygiene products, bed pillows, and cleaning supplies must be new for hygiene reasons. If you’re unsure if an item is a good fit, give us a call!
Where can I drop off items and when can I donate them?
Open drop-off hours will be announced soon. Please email volunteer@familypromisewm.org or call 616-202-1544 to schedule a drop off at this time.
Why don’t you accept clothing, furniture, toys, etc.?
Our list of accepted donations is curated based on the highest needs of families in our programs, as well as our capacity to physically store and receive donations. For those items that we do not accept, consider donating to these local organizations that support community members in need:
- Clothing: In the Image, Women’s Resource Center, Salvation Army
- Personal Care Essentials: Mel Trotter Ministries, Degage Ministries, Arbor Circle Street Outreach, Pine Rest StreetReach
- Household Items: In the Image, New 2 You, Goodwill, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity
- Baby/Kids Items: Alpha Grand Rapids, HELP Pregnancy Aid, In the Image, Kent County Animal Shelter (occasionally accepts used stuffed animals)
Unfortunately, few organizations are able to accept used mattresses and car seats because of liability issues. For tricky-to-donate items, try posting on Facebook Marketplace.
Where can I donate furniture to best support families in need?
We partner with Habitat ReStore for furniture donations. When you donate to ReStore, it allows us to gift families in our programs with ReStore vouchers that can be used to purchase items that best fit their needs. Call 616-647-9292 to learn more.
Covenant Furniture Ministry is another local organization that often accepts furniture that ReStore may not. Call 616-455-5120 to inquire.
Do you have an Amazon wish list?
Yes, we do! Essential items can be purchased directly from our wish list and shipped to our office: https://a.co/aw9EZm3
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes! In-kind and monetary donations made to Family Promise of West Michigan are tax deductible. At the time of your donation, you will have the opportunity to request a receipt.
How do I make a financial donation?
Financial donations are greatly appreciated online or by mail. Visit our Donations page to learn more.
Other ways to give
You have the power to make a lasting impact. Support families experiencing homelessness by making a donation or volunteering your time and talents!
Donate
Your gift provides safe housing, stability, and hope for families. Give once or monthly to make a lasting impact.
Volunteer
Lend your time and talents to support local families. Volunteers help with programs, events, and daily needs, making a real difference.
