Donate In-Kind
What does it mean to donate “in-kind”?
To donate “in-kind” means to donate goods, rather than funds. Consider donating in-kind and help our community work towards their goals with the dignity of clean, weather appropriate clothing and hygiene items. When making an in-kind donation please consider the following two factors:
Providing for the physical well-being of those we serve
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A focus on the comfort and dignity of our community members
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I support Boyle Street community members with in-kind donations?
If you are interested in collecting items for a fundraiser, consider reading our Boyle Street Challenges page where you will find more detailed information and ideas. You are also welcome and encouraged to reach out to the Development Team to discuss your ideas and coordinate with them to find the best place to drop off the collected items. To get in touch with us, please email: Development@boylestreet.org
2. I HAVE items to donate right now. Where can I take them?
Why does Boyle Street go through Bissell?
Our friends and neighbours at the Bissell Thrift Shop have an entire warehouse dedicated to sorting, washing, and distributing donations. Donated items that are not quite fit-for-purpose are sold at the Bissell Thrift Shop, and the proceeds ($0.89 cents of every dollar) go back into programming for people experiencing poverty and homelessness.
We ask that gently used clothing items and other in-kind donations be directed to the Bissell Thrift Shop located at 8818 118 Avenue NW. In return, the Bissell Centre provides Boyle Street with essential items while surplus items provide support to those accessing the Bissell Centre.
3. I WANT TO COLLECT items to donate, what items are most needed?
New or gently used clothing and new hygiene products are most in need.
When collecting items for donation, it can be helpful to ask yourself the following questions:
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Is this item clean and free of rips, tears, or stains?
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Would this item help keep someone warm, safe, and comfortable outdoors?
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Does this item support our vision of a community that treats vulnerable people with respect?
Items most needed:
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Men's and women's winter gear
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Hand and toe warmers
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Emergency Space Blankets
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Backpacks
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Socks and Underwear
Please see the infographic below for more details.
4. Can I donate prepared food/is there a location where I can give food?
We are subject to the policies of AHS (Alberta Health Services) and food distributed to our community must be made in a commercial kitchen, or some other space permitted/approved by AHS. If you would like to provide a meal to our community, please see our Meal Sponsorship program page.
Please note: we cannot accept food dropped off at any of our locations. If you are looking for an opportunity to volunteer, you can visit our Volunteer With Us page to fill out an application.
5. The weather has been very hot/cold, what can I bring to Boyle Street to help?
We cannot accept any in-kind donations at any of our locations. Please see question 1 or 2 for more information. In lieu, Boyle Street has developed the Emergency Response Fund which allows us to act quickly and provide immediate support to our community members when they need it the most. Edmontonians experiencing homelessness or poverty are especially vulnerable during extreme weather conditions, and Canadians know best how quickly that can change. Your donation to ERF, helps us prepare for extreme weather before it happens by allowing us the flexibility to purchase exactly what the community needs when it is needed most.
Please consider donating to the Emergency Response Fund today!
Still have questions about donating in-kind?
To make an in-kind donation please contact the Development Team:
587-338-1740 (text or call)