Donate Items

Amazon Wishlist

We have an Amazon Wishlist with our current needs. Order items from our Amazon Wishlist to help us keep our shelves stocked!

Current Needs:

To donate non-perishable, non-expired food, find the yellow donation bins in the following locations:

  • University Commons (near the old radio room)
  • Admin Building
  • The Commons
  • AOK Library atrium
  • UMBC Campus Police Station
  • OCA Mocha (please note: this bin is difficult for our volunteers to access; please prioritize other bins if possible)

We welcome, encourage, and need your donations!

  • Toiletries & Household Sanitary Items – please donate unopened, unused items only
    • oral care items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash)
    • toilet paper
    • cleaning (clorox) wipes
    • paper towels
    • laundry detergent
    • shampoo & conditioner
    • soap & body wash
    • deodorant
    • menstrual products (pads, pantyliners, menstrual cups)
    • lotion
    • lip balm
    • condoms
    • razors & shave cream
  • Foods – non-perishable, unopened, non-expired foods
Red Zone: Highest need
    • Ready-to-eat meals
    • Basmati Rice
    • Chana Dal
    • Maggi Noodles
    • Tea Biscuits
    • Granola Bars & Protein Bars
    • Spices
Orange Zone: Medium need
    • Shelf-stable milk
    • Snacks
    • Vegetarian soups
  • We do not accept
    • Heavily dented, damaged, or open packaging
    • Expired food
    • We currently cannot accept items that are not on the above list
    • To donate perishable foods, please visit The Essential Space during open hours. We accept all perishable foods! Please contact us first if you are planning to bring a large quantity

If you would like to donate perishable food, please bring it to The Essential Space during open hours.

If your group hosts an event and has non-perishable foods left to donate or if your organization would like to host a food drive, please contact retrieveressentials@umbc.edu to arrange pickup details or to discuss drive guidelines.