Here are some of the things we need most:
Food Pantry
The Food Pantry always needs donations of non-perishable food items delivered during our hours of operation (see below). High-protein items are especially beneficial.
*** A food drive by your school or civic group is a great way to provide this.
OUR TOP NEEDS:
- Breakfast cereal (hot & cold) 
- Pasta 
- Pancake mixes & Syrup 
- Rice 
- Canned and Dry Beans (especially Black and Garbanzo) 
- Lentils 
- Canned Fruits 
- Pasta Sauce 
- Canned meals - Chili, beef stew etc. 
- Tuna 
- Canned Tomatoes 
- Canned Corn 
Other Items we always appreciate:
- Peanut butter and jelly 
- Hearty nutritious soups 
- Canned vegetables 
- Baking mixes & frosting 
Fresh produce harvested from your garden is welcomed in season.
The Food Pantry gets most of its food from the Northern Illinois Food Bank where it can acquire $8 worth of groceries for every $1 spent, so please consider a financial donation.
First Things First
First Things First welcomes donations of baby items during our hours of operation (see below).
*** Consider doing a diaper drive
*** Use your Kohl’s Cash to purchase clothing items, especially larger sizes.
- Diapers (especially sizes 4, 5 & 6) & Pull-Ups 
- Baby wipes, baby wash, baby lotion & diaper cream 
- Clean, gently used clothes for sizes newborn to 5T. We especially need spring & summer clothes for the coming season. 
- Board books and early readers 
- Infant and early childhood toys and small baby equipment including high chairs, play mats, etc. - No car seats, cribs, strollers or used stuffed toys please 
Clothes Closet
The Clothes Closet always needs new or gently-used adult and children’s clothing 5T and above delivered during our hours of operation (see below):
- Spring and summer clothes for children of all ages from 0-16, clean and new or gently used. 
- All types and sizes of clothing, especially for the current or upcoming season, clean and new or gently used 
- Shoes and boots 
- Outerwear, including winter coats and gloves 
We also welcome donations of Kohls Cash which we can use to purchase needed clothing items.
Walk-In Assistance
Have a gift card you don’t need? We can always use gift cards to purchase items for distribution to our guests. These can be delivered during our hours of operation (see below).
A common need, not covered by government food assistance, is cleaning supplies:
- Hygiene items 
- Multi-purpose cleaning solutions and sprays 
- Laundry detergent and bleach 
- Dish detergent 
- Disinfecting wipes 
You may also reach out to info@theoutreachhouse.org for further information.
 
          
        
       
             
             
            