Your in-kind donations help refugees, asylees, survivors of trafficking, unaccompanied children and other New Americans by providing essential tools to thrive at work, school and home.
NEW September 2020: Winter Clothing Drive
It’s time for our annual winter clothing drive! We are in need of new and gently used (and laundered!) winter coats for newly arrived refugees. We are accepting adult coats (sizes medium and small) and children’s coats of all sizes, in addition to gift cards, snow boots, and gloves/mittens.
Due to COVID-19, we are asking that volunteers collect group donations of 5+ coats and deliver items to the International Institute while practicing social distancing. Items can be dropped off at the Institute (1694 Como Avenue St. Paul, MN 55108) at any of the following times:
- Wednesday, Sept. 30, 9 a.m. to noon
- Thursday, Oct. 1, 4-6 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Please ring the doorbell once you have arrived. Can’t make it person? Consider donating through our MyRegistry Wishlist; clothing will be shipped to our office.
Thank you for helping New Americans stay warm as they brave their first Minnesota winter! Spread the word and share our Facebook event.
Questions? Contact Mahima Gupta.
Refugee Department Needs
See our Amazon Wish List for current needs; you are welcome to purchase these or similar items elsewhere and bring to the Institute (1694 Como Ave., St. Paul) during business hours. If you prefer to make a financial contribution, you can donate online.
- School supplies (backpacks, pencils, notebooks)
- Housing items (laundry soap, detergent, bath towels)
- Employment supplies (lunch boxes, water bottles, food containers)
- Gift cards (grocery stores, Target, Walmart, Metro Transit)
- Toiletry items (shampoo, deodorant, soap, maxi pads)
- Diapers (every size except 2) and baby wipes
- Bilingual books (English/Spanish)
- Shopping carts for public transit (see below)
If you have larger items to donate or household items not on our list, we encourage you to donate your items to our partner Bridging.
Cart donations: We are seeking cart donations to assist our New American clients with transporting their shopping goods. Grocery shopping without a car presents all sorts challenges to our clients who rely primarily on public transportation. A cart will greatly reduce logistical and food security risks faced by New Americans and help them achieve self sufficiency. Carts cost as low as $24-$40 and can be shipped or brought to the Institute.
Education Department Needs
See our English class Amazon Wish List or view opportunities below.
Are you part of a book club, congregation, professional cohort or other group that wants to help reduce educational barriers for New Americans? Compile a
kit of products to help a:
- Student with an interview
- Student with no prior education
- Student with daughters
- Student with children
- Student with a newborn
- Student with poor eyesight
- Student who takes the bus
- Student who has never seen snow
- Student practicing for a presentation
- Student looking for housing
- Student with an illness
In-kind Donations Contact: Mahima Gupta, mgupta@iimn.org
