Quick In-Kind Donation Guidelines

To ensure your generosity reaches survivors quickly and respectfully, we accept:


Please note:

  • Items ordered from the Wish List will be shipped directly to our mailing address.
  • We are unable to accept care packages or baskets, as individual items help us distribute support efficiently.
  • Sample-size and travel-size hygiene items cannot be accepted.
  • We occasionally accept mattresses and car/booster seats based on current needs; please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before donating these items.

Thoughtful Giving Makes a Real Difference

We are grateful for the generosity of our community and the care donors put into supporting survivors. To be exceptional stewards of your gifts—and to ensure that donations reach survivors quickly and meaningfully—we focus on accepting items we can immediately put into use.

Because quality is dignity, and because our storage capacity is limited, we are only able to accept gift cards and items from our Amazon Wish List. These items reflect what survivors have told us they need most right now and allow us to distribute support efficiently and respectfully. Gift cards from Kroger, Walmart, Food Lion, Shell, and Exxon in $25 increments are most preferred.

You can view our Wish List here. When ordering, please confirm during checkout that items are shipped directly to us.

While care packages and baskets are a generous idea, individual, new items allow us to get resources into survivors’ hands most quickly and with greatest flexibility. For the same reason, we are also unable to accept sample-size or travel-size hygiene items.

If you are interested in organizing a donation drive, we would love to connect with you to ensure your efforts align with current survivor needs. Please reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We may occasionally accept mattresses or car/booster seats depending on current needs. If you would like to inquire about these items, please email us before donating. Email is our preferred method of communication and helps us respond as thoughtfully as possible while prioritizing direct support for survivors.

Thank you for partnering with us in a way that honors survivors’ dignity and makes the best possible use of your generosity.

Donor FAQ: Why Our Donation Guidelines Have Changed

Why are you only accepting gift cards and items from your Wish List?
Survivors’ needs change quickly. By focusing on gift cards and Wish List items, we ensure your donation can be used immediately and in ways that survivors have told us are most helpful. This approach allows us to be responsible stewards of your generosity and avoid accepting items we cannot realistically distribute in a timely way.

Why does storage space matter so much?
Every square foot we use for storage is space we can’t use for survivor support. Limiting donations to items we know we can distribute quickly helps us avoid backups, delays, and waste—so your gift has real impact when it’s needed most.

Why can’t you accept care packages or baskets?
Care packages are a thoughtful gesture, but individual items give survivors more choice and allow us to respond flexibly to each person’s situation. Individual items also help us distribute resources more equitably and efficiently.

Why are sample-size or travel-size hygiene items not accepted?
We believe that quality is dignity. Full-size, high-quality items better meet survivors’ needs and help restore a sense of normalcy and respect during a very difficult time.

Why is the Registry so specific?
The Wish List reflects current, real-time needs identified by survivors and staff. Donating from it ensures your gift aligns directly with what will be used right away—no guesswork required.

Can I still organize a donation drive?
Yes! We appreciate the initiative. We ask that you contact us in advance so we can help ensure your efforts are aligned with current needs and will have the greatest possible impact.

What if I want to donate something not listed?
Please email us before donating. In some cases—such as mattresses or car/booster seats—we may be able to accept items depending on current guest needs.

Why is email the preferred way to contact you?
Email allows us to respond thoughtfully while prioritizing direct, time-sensitive support for survivors.

Alternate Donation Locations

(for items that we do not accept)

CVBA Clothing Center accepts donations of clothing at their location in Charlottesville, and provides clothing to those in need. They can be reached at (434) 977-6876.

The Haven accepts donations of travel size products for their guests. They can be reached at (434) 973-1234, ext. 100.