In-Kind Donations

Your thoughtful donations of items and services help us create a safe, supportive space for the women we serve.

Ready to Make a Donation?

We are so grateful for your kindness and willingness to support The Beacon. Every donation makes a meaningful difference in the lives of the women we serve!

Follow these steps to ensure your donations make the most impact:

1. Check our Socials

For the most current list of items we need, please check out our Facebook page. We update it regularly to make sure donations align with what our residents can use the most.

You can also view our Amazon Wishlist.

2. Read our Donation Guidelines

Read our general guidelines below for what we can and cannot accept as in-kind donations.

3. Schedule a Drop-Off

General (non-furniture) donations:

Accepted Monday through Sunday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
No appointment is needed for donations smaller than a standard trunk load

Large donations (greater than one trunk full):

Must be scheduled in advance You can call us at (515) 244-4713 or email volunteer@thebeacondm.orgto set up a time.

Furniture donations:

Must be approved in writing and scheduled in advance with the Director of Operations and Properties, Chantell.
Contact Chantell at chantell@thebeacondm.org

You can call us at (515) 244-4713 or email volunteer@thebeacondm.org to set up a time.

General Donation Guidelines

What we Accept

Clothing and Accessories

New or gently used women’s clothing only
(Clean, seasonally appropriate, free of stains, rips, or heavy wear)
New underwear and socks only
(Must be in original packaging or with tags)

Household and Personal Care Items

New towels and washcloths
New, unopened personal hygiene items
(Toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, menstrual products)
Hair and body care products for all skin and hair types
(No wipes or alcohol-based mouthwash)
New cleaning supplies
(Laundry detergent, disinfectant, trash bags, etc.)
New or gently used kitchen and housewares
(Pots, pans, dishes, utensils, small appliances)
Non-perishable, unexpired food items
(Canned goods, boxed meals, dry goods)
Blinds, curtains, and laundry baskets

New Apartment Essentials
To support graduates and Beacon Village residents, we gratefully accept new or gently used:

Coffee makers and Keurigs
Air fryers and toasters
Microwaves
Trash cans
Shower curtain rods, curtains, and liners
Brooms, dustpans, and other home essentials

Incentive Items for “Beacon Bucks” Program

New journals, tumblers, accessories, beauty items, or small giftable products

Furniture

Only accepted with written approval from the Director of Operations and Properties
Must be in excellent, clean condition
Furniture or household items must not have come from a home that has had bedbugs within the past 18 months
Drop-off must be scheduled in advance by contacting:
Chantell, Director of Operations and Properties
Email: chantell@thebeacondm.org

Alternate Donation Options

If your items are not a fit for our current needs, please consider donating to one of our community partners:

Used purses and formalwear:
Dress for Success Des Moines
Heavily worn or unsorted clothing:
Primary Health Care Donation Center or other local donation drop-offs

Special Requests/Seasonal Needs:

New XL–4XL sports bras and underwear
New twin sheets
Printer Paper
Paper Towels
Toilet Paper
Brother Printer Ink
Standing Fans (9)
Dehumidifier (9)
Induction stove-friendly pots and pans.
Items for women moving into The Village:
- Small coffee pot (4)
- Small -medium air fryer (3)
- Clothes hamper (3)
- Small-medium trash can (2)
Blinds white
- 1 (52"x33")
- 2 (87"X4'1")

What We Cannot Accept

Used undergarments, used socks, or used bras
Furniture or household items from any home that has had bedbugs in the past 18 months
Furniture without prior written approval and scheduled drop-off
Heavily worn, stained, torn, or unwashed clothing
Broken, moldy, smoke-damaged, or pet-damaged items
Expired food or opened perishables
Alcohol-based mouthwash or hygiene wipes

Questions?

We’re here to help. If you're unsure whether your donation is a good fit, please reach out to us before dropping it off. We’re grateful for your continued support.

Call: (515) 244-4713
Email: volunteer@thebeacondm.org or Chantell@thebeacondm.org

Thank you for helping us create a healing, empowering environment for women in recovery.

Additional Information

The Beacon reserves the right to pass along donations to trusted nonprofit partners if we are unable to use or store the items ourselves.
From time to time, we may request children’s items to support a resident who is providing for her child living with an alternative guardian during her stay. These needs will be shared on our social media platforms.
We maintain an active Amazon Wishlist to help meet specific and seasonal needs. You can view and support us directly here: https://a.co/fuJvmLN
Follow us on Facebook for current needs and announcements: facebook.com/thebeacondm