Items Needed

PURCHASE FROM OUR WISH LISTS

Items on our wish lists are the most needed items right now.

Items selected from RightGift ship for free.
Items selected from Amazon may include shipping charges.

How to Donate Items

Your donated items assist those who come to us in need and become enrolled in one of our programs. Below are lists of items typically requested. If you are a member of a church or community group, please consider hosting a drive for us. Catholic Charities’ Staff would be happy to pick up the items and provide a presentation about the work of the Agency and how your efforts impact our community members in need.

To donate large items (appliances, furniture, etc.) please call our receptionist at 607-734-9784 or send a message to schedule a pick-up. Furniture items must be clean; tear-free and stain-free; no broken items can be accepted. A photo will be required before pickup is scheduled. We reserve the right to refuse any item upon inspection.

Other items may be donated at either of these locations unless otherwise specified. Please package donations in clear bags or grocery bags.
Samaritan Center - 380 S Main St., Elmira
8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday

Schuyler Outreach Food Pantry - 112 Tenth St., Watkins Glen
9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Tuesdays & Fridays
Noon – 4:00 pm, Thursdays

Please remember:

  • Do not leave donations by the door when facilities are closed.
  • Do not package donated items in black trash bags.
  • Do let us know if you would like a receipt.
  • Your donations assist those in need on a path out of poverty!

Thank you for making a difference in our community!

The policy of Catholic Charities expressly prohibits rendering estimates of value for any non-monetary donation.
Catholic Charities reserves the right to decline any donation upon inspection of items.

Various Pantry Items

Personal Care: new & unopened

  • Bar Soap/Bodywash
  • Combs/Hairbrushes
  • Deodorant
  • Feminine Hygiene Products
  • Shampoo
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush Cover/Holder
  • Toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste ​​​​​​​

Cleaning & Laundry Supplies: 

  • disinfecting wipes/cleaning products
  • garbage bags (clear)
  • laundry baskets/laundry bags (mesh)
  • laundry soap/dish detergent
  • sponges/dishcloths
  • toilet brushes

Baby Items: 

  • baby wash/ointment (unopened only)
  • formula/baby food (unopened only)
  • wipes/diapers (sizes 4 & larger)

Paper Products: unopened

  • cups/plates
  • disposable flatware
  • paper towels/napkins
  • tissues
  • toilet paper

Clothing Items

For men, women and children - must be new with tags on

  • underwear
  • bras
  • socks
  • coats (may be gently used) (September-March only)
  • gloves/mittens (September-March only)
  • hand and feet warmers (September-March only)
  • scarves/hats (September-March only)

We cannot accept:

  • baby furniture/car seats
  • books for adults
  • computers/computer equipment
  • electronics including televisions and VHS players
  • holiday decorations
  • rugs
  • sofa sleepers
  • toys, games, or stuffed animals (used or opened)
  • used linens

Household Items

Appliances:  must be in working order

Furniture:  new or gently used (most items are for efficiency apartments for those fleeing domestic violence or transitioning out of homelessness) We reserve the right to refuse any item upon inspection.

  • coffee tables/end tables
  • dressers
  • kitchen table/2 chairs
  • lamps
  • loveseats/small couches/chairs
  • mattresses - Twin or Full with box spring and the frame is preferred, may accept separate pieces on an as-needed basis
  • nightstands
  • recliner/chair
  • TV stands

Linens:  must be new with tags on and unopened

  • bath towels/hand towels/washcloths
  • dishcloths/dish towels
  • pillows
  • twin and full sheet sets/pillowcases
  • blankets
  • quilts (September-March only)

Kitchen: must be new or gently used

  • pots and pans
  • dishes
  • silverware
  • non-electric can openers

Miscellaneous items

  • Backpacks: new/like-new - please donate at Samaritan Center, for adults experiencing homelessness
  • Bus Tokens: for those needing to get to appointments, job interviews, etc.
  • Gas Cards: for transportation to appointments, job interviews, etc.
  • Gift Cards: for food, groceries, haircuts, and personal care items (local stores only)
  • Reflective Gear/Headlamps: good for those walking after dark
  • Toys/Games: new, with tags on and in packages only for Christmas (accepted November - December)
  • Venison: learn more about the Venison Donation Program

Other Agencies

They may be able to accept donations that we are not able to accept:

Clothing/Household Items

  • Salvation Army: 2502 Corning Rd, Elmira, NY OR 207 W Pulteney St, Corning, NY, 1-800-SA-TRUCK
  • St. James Episcopal Church: 112 6th Street, Watkins Glen, NY, 607-535-2321

Furniture Items

  • Habitat for Humanity’s Restore: 3412 NY-414, Corning, NY 14830, 607-936-4444

Infant & Children's Clothing, Clothing/Shoes

  • Bethany Lutheran Church (children's clothing closet)256 S Walnut St, Elmira, NY 14904; 607-734-8669
  • Elmira First Church of the Nazarene: 1136 Broadway St, Elmira, NY 14904; (607) 846-2885  (clothing can be dropped in the St. Pauly’s bin anytime. Donations of clothing are sorted and used locally whenever possible.)
  • His Haven: 559 Spaulding St, Elmira, NY 14904; 607-442-6442 (Tuesday - Thursday, 10am - 2pm, Door #3)
  • Pregnancy Resource Center: 601 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY 14904; 607-737-6952
  • Victory Highway Wesleyan Church, Elmira Campus: 1100 S Main St, Elmira, NY 14904; 607-962-7000