Holiday Donation Drives

Memphis area: Room in the Inn – Memphis

Room in the Inn – Memphis provides shelter and care for Memphis neighbors experiencing homelessness. We’re collecting everyday essentials and holiday gifts for children, teens and adults.

Everyday essentials

Clothing and towels may be gently used, with no stains or worn-thin fabric. Children’s underwear must be new and packaged.

• Clothing and towels: Adult sweatpants, sweatshirts and plain T-shirts (XS–XXXL); children’s sweatpants and sweatshirts (S–XL), T-shirts and new packaged underwear (any size); bath and hand towels.
• Toiletries: Shampoo and conditioner (travel or regular size), petroleum jelly, feminine hygiene products and toilet paper.
• Laundry and cleaning: Laundry detergent, small portioning cups, spray cleaner, wipes, toilet bowl cleaner, toilet brushes, brooms and dustpans.

Holiday wishlist

• Children and teens: Toys, games, puzzles, blocks and LEGO; books, movies, coloring books, art and craft supplies and kits; scooters, bikes, skateboards and helmets; pajamas, bedding and blankets; winter hats, gloves and scarves; gift cards for children’s stores, activities and events; sports equipment and water bottles; headphones, Bluetooth speakers and gaming consoles.
• Adults: Candles and oil diffusers; gift cards for restaurants, stores, attractions and events; winter coats, hats, gloves and scarves; jewelry and Memphis sports apparel; eyeglass repair kits; books, movies, board and card games; MATA bus passes; housecoats, slippers, self-care and bath sets, perfume and cologne; home goods, cookware, blankets, throws, bedding and towel sets; tablets.

View or print the full Room in the Inn donation list (PDF)

North Mississippi: DeSoto County Dream Center

Help the DeSoto County Dream Center stock its emergency pantry for local families and send DeSoto County students home with food for the weekend.

Emergency Needs Pantry

Choose shelf-stable foods for local families facing an unexpected need.

• Proteins and meals: Canned tuna, chicken, salmon or SPAM; canned soup, stew, chili or ravioli; shelf-stable boxed meals.
• Fruit and vegetables: Dried or canned fruit, canned beans and vegetables, and instant mashed potatoes.
• Breakfast and snacks: Cereal, oatmeal, granola bars or Pop-Tarts, nuts or trail mix, crackers, pancake mix and syrup.
• Pantry staples: Pasta and sauce, stock or broth, peanut butter and jelly, canola, vegetable or olive oil, and shelf-stable or powdered milk.

DREAM Backpack Program

Kid-friendly, easy-to-open single servings are best. Please skip glass, opened or expired food, and items that need stove prep.

• Fruit and vegetables: Fruit cocktail, applesauce, raisins or yogurt raisins, pineapple, peaches, pears, mandarin oranges, corn, carrots, green beans, sweet peas and canned potatoes.
• Breakfast: Cereal, cereal bars, protein or granola bars, and oatmeal packets or cups.
• Snacks: Trail mix, pretzels, Goldfish, cheese-and-cracker packs, peanut butter crackers and animal crackers.
• Proteins and meals: Tuna salad with crackers, chicken salad kits, ravioli, soup, Vienna sausages, beanie weenies, chili, SPAM, and ramen or mac and cheese that needs no stove prep.

View or print the full DeSoto County Dream Center donation list (PDF)