This list includes some of the most well-established organizations in El Paso, Texas that provide invaluable services to our community everyday.
Please consider purchasing an extra set of these items during your next grocery trip and donating to one of these local charities.
Opportunity Center for the Homeless
“The Opportunity Center exists for all homeless without distinction of race, ethnic origin, language spoken, or, religious beliefs, and regardless of mental, drug and alcohol problems. Through direct contact with the homeless, the Center supports them to move beyond their condition if they are capable; or protects them if they cannot improve their condition in society because of emotional or psychological disorders.
To this end, the Opportunity Center operates a day resource center/emergency overflow night shelter where homeless people can gather and where some members of the El Paso Coalition for the Homeless provide on-site services. The Center also strives to create a system of care for the most needy among this population through the development of transitional and long-term supportive housing.”
The Men’s Emergency Shelter is in need of the following items:
Clothing: men’s socks, underwear, coats, shoes, shirts, and pants
Hygiene Items: razors, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo and conditioner, toilet paper, bar soap,
Food: flour, oil, rice, sugar, meat, coffee, and canned goods (such as tomatoes, vegetables, fruits, etc.)
The Women’s Resource Center is in need of the following items:
Hygiene Items: toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, bath soap, and liquid hand soap
Disposable products: paper cups (8 oz.), paper plates and bowls, napkins, spoons, forks, toilet paper, paper towels, and aluminum foil
Cleaning supplies: garbage bags (13 gallon size), Fabuloso, Lysol spray, High Efficiency (HE) liquid detergent for front loading washing machines, and Ajax
Food: instant coffee, sugar, creamer, powdered milk, milk or powdered drinks (no kool-aid, please), hot chocolate drink mix, peanut butter, jelly, canned soups, fruits and vegetables, chili, salad dressing, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, mole, cereal, oatmeal, poptarts, Tang, butter, eggs, fresh fruit, hot dogs, chicken, ground meat, cheese, lunch meat, and cooking oil
La Posada Home
“Share the love this holiday season, and donate essential items to La Posada Home. La Posada Home was established in 1986 in order to assist women and their children who are experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, abandonment, or lack of opportunities. Through accessing community resources we are able to provide the families with free-of-charge training opportunities, recreation, advocacy, transportation, medical and psychological services, day care, education, and assistance in the search for more permanent housing. Families are able to stay up to a year while they become self-sufficient.”
You can bring items to 1020 N. Campbell St. El Paso, TX 79902.
Needs list:
- Diapers sizes 1-6
- Wipes and Napkins
- Twin sheet sets and pillow cases
- Trash bags
- Toilet paper
- Toiletries such as shampoo/conditioner, baby lotion, toothpaste, & deodorants
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank
"The Food Bank accepts donations of shelf-stable, fresh and frozen food, and non-food items such as paper goods, personal hygiene products and cleaning supplies – basically any item available from a grocery retailer or distributor. These products may no longer be marketable for the company, but if they are still good to use and can be safely consumed they are of great value to the non-profits the Food Bank serves."
The Mustard Seed Cafe
"The Mustard Seed is a nonprofit cafe and is grateful for the generosity of its supporters. Here you will find a list of the current needs for the cafe. All donations, large and small, are greatly appreciated.
Amazon Wishlist (Remember, the things on the wish list may be found elsewhere, but the ones we’ve chosen are our favorites!)
Please check our Wish List Board at the Cafe as we update it frequently. We always need paper towels and gallon-sized Ziplock storage/freezer bags. And dishes, we could always use dishes!"
Kelly Memorial Food Pantry
"Looking for ideas of items to donate? Tangible items that have been donated to KMFP have included food, furniture, labor and other special skills, computer equipment, and more. Along with the items on our needs list, we also welcome in-kind donations of perishable foods (such as breads, dairy, and produce).
Thank you to the hundreds of in-kind donors that help us in our work every year. Your gift helps us to take our dollars further and provide more food to hungry El Pasoans.
We accept donations during our regular hours, Wednesday and Friday from 9am-3pm and Saturday from 9am-12 noon. To drop off a donation at different time or for more information, please contact our staff at (915)-261-7499 or send us an email."
Non-perishable food:
- Canned meat, fruit,
- vegetables and soups
- Boxed meals
- Cereal
- Pasta
- Peanut (or other nut) Butter
- Sauces/Condiments
- Rice
- Canned or dried beans
- Beverages
- Baby Foods
Personal items:
- Soaps
- Lotions
- Toilet Paper
- Diapers
- Vitamins
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Household Cleaning Products
Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home
"Many companies and individuals support our programs by making donations of a variety of goods and services. Donations have ranged from used cars and vans to children’s clothing to books and toys. Perhaps your company can donate movie passes, nonperishable food, or silent auction items for our fundraising events."
Needs List:
New or gently worn children’s clothing
Sleeping bags
Laundry detergent and fabric softener
New or gently used furniture
Cribs, car seats, and baby furniture
Disposable Diapers
Dishes, silverware, and household items
Household cleaning supplies
Non-perishable food items
Garden and landscaping equipment
Shampoo and hair care products
Soaps, toothbrushes, and personal care items
School supplies (pens, pencils, notebooks, crayons)
Backpacks and luggage
Baby formula and baby food
Bed and bath linens
El Paso Children's Hospital
"Thank you for your interest in giving to the seriously ill or injured children and teens hospitalized at El Paso’s Children’s Hospital. A hospital stay is a stressful and difficult time for children and their families. To meet the needs of all patients and families, we ask that any donated items be appropriate for all ages and medical conditions. Donations and gifts are used throughout the hospital for patients from infants to teenagers. All donated items must be new. Toys must be washable (plastic, wood), and items must not have any religious, political, or violent themes."
Needs List:
Batteries (AAA, AA, C, D)
Clothing (including underwear & socks)
Newborn & Preemie clothing (booties, socks, hats, onesies)
Toiletries
Gift cards to local grocery stores or gas stations
Annunciation House
"Many people ask about the needs of our people and our houses. Almost any item that is basic to a family household we can use and use abundantly. It is a joy for us to be able to share our needs with you. And it is God’s grace that allows us to beg from our poverty on behalf of our guests and the many who depend on us, if even for but a single night of hospitality."
Food:
- Beans
- Rice
- Powder milk
- Canned goods
- Cooking oil
- Eggs
- Pastas
- Chicken and meat
- Cheese
- Coffee
- Sugar
- Cereals
- Vegetables
Household:
- Laundry detergent
- Bleach
- Dish soap
- Disinfectants
- Scouring powder
- Scouring pads
- Bath towels
- Dish towels
- Pine cleaner
- Toilet paper
- Plastic trash bags
- Rubber gloves
- Light bulbs
Hygiene and Personal:
- Toothpaste & toothbrushes
- Shampoo
- Bath soap
- Sanitary napkins
- Tampons
- Disposable razors
- Diapers
- Band aids
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil)
- Bismuth (Pepto-Bismol)
- Cold medicine
- Cough syrup
Humane Society of El Paso
"The Humane Society of El Paso is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and it is not affiliated with any national organization. We depend entirely on donations, fundraising events and services fees for all of our operating expenses. We gladly accept and appreciate monetary donations and any of the following items:
Needs List:
- Blankets/Towels
- Bleach/Dawn Soap
- Science Diet dog and cat food
- Dry or Can Food
- Metal/Plastic Food Bowls
- Baby Bottles
- Puppy Pads/Heating Pads
- Dog Crates
- Dog and cat treats
- Smooth Peanut Butter
- Kong Toys
- Cat Litter/Litter Boxes/Litter scoops
- Trash Bags
- White copy paper, pens & pencils
The El Paso Coalition for the Homeless Blanket Drive
The Extreme Weather Task Force is rolling out an effort to help some of the Borderland's most vulnerable residents get ready for the winter.
Stop by any fire station and drop off new or gently-used blankets. For a list of fire stations visit the El Paso, Texas city website. If you need a blanket, or if you know anyone who does, they can sign up to get one by calling 211.
This site was created by Caitlin LeMoine, a designer and illustrator in El Paso. If you notice an error or would like to submit a cause, non-profit, or holiday giving event, you can email lem.caitlin@gmail.com with your submission and comments.