How to Host a Drive

In-kind donations play an important role in helping us keep costs down and meeting the needs of homeless youth. The list of current needs changes depending on the time of year, and there are ongoing items that are always necessary and useful in this work. You can help —and help us inform the community and mobilize its support. Once you determine the items you will be collecting, here’s how:

Spread the Word

Most people want to help: they just need to be asked. You can send emails, use postcards or flyers, or post to Facebook and other social media. Bring up the drive at meetings and group gatherings. Host a party and ask guests to bring a donated item. YouthCare can help with drafting language and by providing brochures, postcards, and other collateral.

Make it Easy to Donate

Have a central location for people to drop off their items. For office or school drives, make sure you have collection boxes in several locations. You can also collect items during a holiday party or office gathering. Monetary donations, including gift cards, are also welcome; in many cases, they're the best option for youth finding what they need and getting the right fit.

Deliver Your Donations to YouthCare

You can bring your donation to YouthCare’s administrative offices during business hours Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm. YouthCare is located at 2500 NE 54th St, Seattle, WA 98105. In-kind donation receipts will be issued to you for your tax purposes.

Celebrate Your Successes!

Don’t forget to thank your donors! Post pictures of your donations to Facebook or share in your group’s newsletter.

Have questions? Contact Joy Mills-Parker at donations@youthcare.org or (206) 204-1404.