Donate Goods
Help fuel the ministry with donated goods.
Hundreds of people who are experiencing hunger and homelessness come through our doors every day. We are constantly in need of items to care for individuals and families in crisis.
Drop off donations to one of our convenient locations, consider hosting a drive to stock our shelves, give now or shop our wish list on Amazon.
Learn How to Donate Goods to Mel Trotter Ministries
Donate goods today to meet the urgent needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
urgent needs
Drop-Off Locations
Amazon Wish List
host a drive
thrift Store
Urgent Donation Needs
Mel Trotter Ministries Shelter
Clothing Items
- Men’s jeans, size 30 and above any length from 28 – 40
- Men’s underwear (boxers & briefs), Small – 3XL
- Men’s socks
- Men’s t-shirts (sizes M-3XL)
- Men’s shoes, sizes 9 to 14
- Young men’s sweaters (no hoodies)
- Sweatshirts and pants (M – 3XL)
- Men’s belts
Hygiene Items
- Razors: 3+ blades
- Shaving cream
- Cocoa butter lotion
- Travel size shampoo and conditioner
- Travel size body wash
- Deodorants
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Body Wash
Mission Items
- Wash cloths
- 100% Cotton Blankets (No fleece blankets, no comforters)
- Twin-size sheets (no full size, no queen, no king size sheets)
- Standard pillow cases
- Toilet paper standard rolls (no large commercial rolls)
Outreach Items
- Travel size sunscreen
- Water bottles
- Cooling packs
- Towels
Clinic Items
High Need Items:
- RIDD or Nix head lice treatment
- Cough Drops
- Throat Lozenges
- Hot & Cold Packs
- Hydrocortisone and antibiotic cream
- Benadryl tablets
- Lysol wipes
- Robitussin
- Pepto Bismal liquid or tabs
- Plastic covered pillows
Low Need Items:
- Bandages (all sizes)
- Theraflu
- Melatonin
- Nicorette Gum
- Anti-diarrheal (tablets)
- Ace bandage wraps
- Mylanta
- Milk of Magnesia
- Burn cream
- Foot powder (odor control)
- Wound wash (spray on)
- Vitamin D 2000IU strength chewable
- Cold Capsules (adult)
- Adult Dayquil (liquid)
Art Ministry and Day Center
Art Supplies
- Large bottles of Acrylic Paint (NOT Tempera, Oil or Water Color please)
- Adult paint brushes
Operation Items
- Styrofoam coffee cups
- Large containers of coffee
- Large containers of powder coffee creamer
- Large bags of sugar
Each week, we play Bingo with our guests. We like to have small prizes available for the winners. Think $1-$10 items that go beyond necessities. Some examples might be journals, candy, special lotions, small gifts cards to Family Dollar or the Dollar Tree, etc.
Items To Note
Items We Cannot Accept
While we appreciate every donation, there are some items we simply are unable to accept. Below is a list of items that we are not able to take as donations:
- Used mattresses and box springs
- TVs (you can drop off flat screen/LCD TVs at stores as long as they work and are cable ready)
- Baby car seats & baby beds
- Waterbeds & hospital beds
- Sleeper sofas (you can drop them off at stores but we can’t pick them up)
- Exercise equipment, large metal desks
- Pianos and organs
- Large appliances: stove, refrigerator, washer, dryer, etc.
- No chemicals: paint, pesticides, cleaners, or styrofoam etc.
- In order to best protect our guests from the harsh winter elements, we need to equip them with waterproof cold weather gear. As much as we appreciate hand-knit or crocheted items, we are no longer accepting them at this time. Please see the list above of items that will help our guests the most. Thank you!
Thrift Stores
We want to be the best stewards of your donations and make sure they go to help the most people.
In-kind items donated that are unable to be used at the downtown Mission may be taken to the MTM Thrift Stores to be sold.
All proceeds from the Thrift Stores support the programs and services at Mel Trotter Ministries that are helping people overcome homelessness in greater Grand Rapids.
Donation Drop-Off Locations
We have more than 30 drop off locations throughout West Michigan for your convenience.
Drop off thrift store donations at any of our thrift stores or donation bins.
- 6 thrift stores in Grand Rapids, MI
- 30+ donation drop-off bins
Find a location nearest you!
Blue Marker = Donation Bin
Yellow Star = Thrift Store
Amazon Wish List
Order items on our different Amazon Wishlists and they can be shipped directly to Mel Trotter Ministries.
Host a Drive
You can make an even greater impact when you and your friends, coworkers, or small group join together to host a drive for some of the items on this list.
Let us know you’re interested by signing up below.
Click Here to Sign up
In order for us to learn more about your drive and how you can help, please take just a moment to fill out the form below. The best way to help the Mission is to choose a drive that will help us collect items from our Urgent Needs List.
Host a Drive
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Mel Trotter Ministries Thrift Stores can use your gently used clothing, shoes, toys, books, furniture, small appliances and household items.
A donation receipt is available for all donations, if desired.
Mel Trotter Ministries Thrift Stores exist to expand public awareness of MTM and financially support the programs at Mel Trotter Ministries.
Learn more about our thrift stores here.
Locations
Drop off thrift store donations at any of our thrift stores or donation bins.
- 6 thrift stores in Grand Rapids, MI
- 30+ donation drop-off bins
Donation Pickup
Are you donating large furniture, goods, or simply too much to drop off yourself? Let us pick it up from your home or office.
Now offering curbside pickup for large items!
Tips For Donating
- Review the list of items we do not accept
- Send pictures to [email protected] before a pick-up.
- For large quantities and large items please call dispatch before dropping off to ensure we can accept your donation at 616-797-8200.
- Review the value of your items at www.irs.gov.
