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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:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash and bar soap
- Children & adult toothbrushes and toothpaste
- NEW Bed pillows
- Twin-size sheets and blankets
- Towels
- All-purpose spray and wipes
- Liquid dish soap
- Hand soap
- Paper towels
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Laundry detergent
- Non-perishable, ready-to-eat food for meals and snacks
We also take:
We are also happy to accept donations of these items:
- Pack and plays
- Textured/natural haircare products
- Feminine hygiene products
- Deodorant
- Baby wipes
- Diapers and pull-ups, especially larger sizes
- Gas gift cards and single-ride bus passes
- Small kitchen appliances (coffee pots, toasters, microwaves)
- Cookware, mixing bowls, and kitchen utensils
- Dishware and flatware
- Trash cans
- Brooms, mops, and sponges
- Shower curtains and hooks
- Queen-size sheet sets
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:
- Furniture
- Mattresses
- Large appliances
- Home decor
- Luggage
- Car seats
- Strollers
- Books, toys, or stuffed animals
- Clothing
Donation Drop-Off
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
10am-2pm
Donations may be dropped off at our Family Resource Center located at Buck Creek Community Church (3746 Byron Center Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49519).
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?
It depends on the item! We welcome some gently used items like household wares and linens. As a general rule, only donate the item if it’s something you’d feel comfortable giving to a loved one. Other items like personal hygiene products, bed pillows, and cleaning supplies must be new for safety 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?
We accept donations at our Family Resource Center located at Buck Creek Community Church (3746 Byron Center Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49519). The Family Resource Center is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10am to 2pm. No appointment is necessary. Follow the signs for the Family Resource Center when you arrive.
With advance notice, arrangements can be made to drop-off donations at our main office at 516 Cherry St. SE. Please call us at 616-475-5220 or email volunteer@familypromisewm.org to schedule a drop-off.
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.
Where can I donate items Family Promise is unable to accept?
There are a wealth of worthy organizations in our community that give new life to all kinds of wonderful donations. Mel Trotter Ministries, In the Image, and Women’s Resource Center accept adult clothing. Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity accept large appliances. Local thrift stores like New 2 You, Mel Trotter, and Goodwill accept home decor, luggage, toys, books, and children’s clothing. Kent County Animal Shelter occasionally accepts used stuffed animals. Alpha Grand Rapids accepts new and gently used strollers and other baby supplies.
Unfortunately, few local resources are able to accept used mattresses and car seats because of liability issues. For tricky to donate items, try posting for free on Facebook Marketplace to get items into the hands of those who can use them!
Where can I donate furniture to best support families in need?
We partner with Habitat ReStore for furniture donations. What’s wonderful about this partnership is that the more furniture we send to ReStore, the more vouchers we are able to give to families moving home. Families are able to use these vouchers to purchase items that best fit their needs. To view accepted items and schedule a pick-up, visit habitatkent.org/restore or call 616-647-9292.
Covenant Furniture Ministry is another local organization that often accepts furniture that ReStore may not. Visit covenant-crc.org/furniture or call 616-455-5120 to inquire.
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.
