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Urgent Donation Needs

You can make a difference in the lives of those Avivo serves by donating urgent donation needs items or kits, which are listed below. Items can range from welcome baskets to move-in kits to basic hygiene items, and all make a tremendous difference in someone’s life. If you’re interested in making a difference, please look carefully over the following options to select a donation or kit that matches your interests. You can also download a printable list of Participant Necessity Kits.

To drop off kits you’ve assembled, please plan to drop off at 1900 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404 during business hours, Monday-Friday. For more information or to schedule a donation drop-off, contact giving@avivomn.org. Another option for donating baskets and kits is to ship items directly to Avivo via our Target Charity registry.

December Urgent Needs Kit of the Month: Ending Homelessness Kits

Last year, Avivo helped more than 2,600 individuals find or maintain housing, and when people move into Avivo’s housing or move into housing of their own they need supplies like bedding, hygiene kits, and more. You can support Avivo participants from the comfort of home by providing important items such as twin bedding sets, laundry supplies, hygiene items, or basic cleaning supplies. Items can be assembled in a kit or provided separately. Check out our Target, Walmart, or Amazon registries for items to be shipped directly or drop them off at 1900 Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis.

Thank you for your support!

 

Welcome Baskets

Welcome baskets are pictured, which are one of many ongoing urgent needs donation kits at Avivo.

These urgent needs donation baskets support program participants in our residential programs with basic necessities. Click the basket type to see full description.

 

Hygiene Kits

These urgent needs donation kits will be given to program participants in Avivo programs that include participants in our residential and/or outpatient treatment programs, street outreach, or housing programs. Please consider providing products that can be used for diverse hair types and skin needs. Click the basket type to see full description.

 

New Home Kits

Welcome home baskets are pictured, which are one of many ongoing urgent needs donation kits at Avivo.

These urgent needs donation kits support participants in Avivo’s programs as they transition from homelessness or housing insecurity into permanent housing. Click the basket type to see full description.

 

Street Outreach Kits

These urgent needs donation kits support unhoused individuals as our Street Outreach Team meets them. Click the basket type of see full description.

 

Baby & Children Baskets

These kits support babies and children in Avivo’s programs, from newborn to toddler or child age.

 

Past Kit of the Month

These have been Urgent Needs Kits for prior months.

 

Welcome Baskets

New Participant Kit

A New Participant Kit will be provided to our adult residential participants. A basket should include a reusable bag, alarm clock, reusable water bottle, journal, pen(s), adult coloring book, colored pencils, insulated coffee mug. Optional additional items: hygiene kit.

New Avivo Resident Kit

A New Avivo Resident Kit will be provided to Avivo participants as they move into housing. A New Resident Kit should include a set of sheets (twin), comforter (twin), pillow, laundry basket, plate, bowl, cup, fork, spoon, knife, shower curtain and rings, towel set, trash can, garbage bags, mop, broom, plunger, and toilet scrubber.

New Avivo Village Resident Kit

A New Avivo Village Resident Kit will be provided to residents of Avivo Village as they move off the streets. A New Avivo Village Resident Kit should include a laundry basket, set of sheets (twin), comforter (twin), pillow, towel set, 4’x6′ area rug (dark color), clip-on table lamp, and a plastic TV tray.

Participant Snack Bag

Support our program participants by giving them a boost of energy during their sessions. Snacks should come individually wrapped. A snack bag should include a drink flavor packet, granola bar, bag of crackers (example: Goldfish), and something sweet (pack of gummies or a few pieces of candy).

New Baby Basket

This basket will be provided to expectant or new moms to care for their newborn baby. A basket should include a diaper bag, newborn or size 1 diapers, wipes, pack of 0-3 month onesies, and diaper cream.

Optional additional items include: Baby carrier, stroller, and car seat.

 

Hygiene Kits

Adult Hygiene Kit

The products in this kit should be full sized and unscented. Kit should include a shower caddy or reusable bag, shampoo, conditioner, soap or body wash, loofah or washcloth, deodorant, comb or pick, lotion, razor, toothbrush, and toothpaste. Please consider providing products that can be used for diverse hair types and skin needs.

Child Hygiene Kit

The products in this kit should include shampoo/wash, lotion, a washcloth or loofah, bath toy, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a brush.

Baby Hygiene Kit

The products in this kit should include a diaper bag (encouraged, but not required), diapers (1 pack), wipes (1 pack), diaper cream, shampoo/wash, lotion, baby washcloth (6-pack), baby bath (encouraged, but not required), baby grooming kit.

Travel-Sized Hygiene Kit

The products in this kit should be travel sized. Kit should include a travel case, shampoo, conditioner, soap or body wash, deodorant, comb or pick, lotion, razor, toothbrush, and toothpaste. Please consider providing products that can be used for diverse hair types and skin needs. Optional additional items include washcloths, socks, and gloves.

 

New Home Kits

Home Basics Kit

This kit should include laundry basket, set of sheets (twin), comforter (twin), pillow, shower curtain and rings, shower liner, towel set, 6-pack of toilet paper, and a plunger.

Optional additional items include a coffee maker, bathroom rugs, or a gift card to Target or Walmart to purchase necessary items.

Kitchen Essentials Kit

New kitchen baskets are pictured, which are one of many ongoing urgent needs donation kits at Avivo.

The kit should include set of four dishes, set of flatware, kitchen towel set, cooking utensils set, can opener, set of pots and pans, and paper towels.

Optional additional items include coffee mugs, coffee maker, glass storage & baking containers, or a gift card to Target or Walmart to purchase necessary items.

Cleaning Kit

The kit should include all-purpose cleaner (spray or wipes), glass cleaner, kitchen sponges or dish cloths, dish soap, hand soap, paper towels, toilet bowl cleaner, and laundry soap or laundry pods.

Optional additional items include trash can and garbage bags (13 gallon), mop, broom, toilet bowl cleaner, or a gift card to Target or Walmart to purchase necessary items.

First Week of Food Kit

This kit should include non-perishable items to support a person or family’s first week in their new home. Suggested items include: box of pasta, jar of pasta sauce, box of macaroni, cans of soup, cans of vegetables, fruit cups, packs of peanut butter crackers, box of cereal, etc. Cans should have a pop top and not require a can opener. Optional additional item include a microwave, crockpot, or can opener.

 

Baby and Children Baskets

New Baby Essentials Kit

This kit should include a diaper bag, pack of diapers (size newborn or 1), wipes, diaper cream, baby soap, baby lotion, washcloth, pack of bottles, set of onesies (0-3 month), and a toy.

New Baby Clothing Basics Kit

This kit should include a pack of onesies (o-3 month), socks/booties, mittens, pack of pajama onesies, a sleep sack, and hats.

Toddler Safety & Wellness Kit

This kit should include a set of diapers or pull-ups (size 4), wipes, outlet covers, cabinet locks, disinfecting cleaning wipes, sippy cup/water bottle with straw, and fruit squeeze pouches.

Children’s Snack Bag

This kit should include fruit squeeze pouches, bag of crackers (example: Goldfish), bag of cookies (example: Teddy Grahams), and a juice box.

 

Street Outreach Kits

Basics Kit

This kit should include a zippered bag or backpack, tarp (8’x10′ or larger), battery/solar powered flashlight or lantern, blanket, and a bottle of water.

Survival Kit

This kit should include the Basics Kit above, as well as an insulated coffee mug, a two-person tent, a camping/travel first aid kit, and a travel-sized hygiene kit.

Seasonal – Winter Kit

This kit should include fleece gloves, a winter hat, wool socks, and hand warmers.

Seasonal – Fall/Spring Kit

This kit should include a poncho and/or raincoat and towels.

Seasonal – Summer Kit

This kit should include a battery-powered handheld fan (USB if possible) and a reusable water bottle.

Past Kit of the Month

January: Hygiene Kits

Kit should include a shower caddy or reusable bag, shampoo, conditioner, soap or body wash, loofah or washcloth, deodorant, comb or pick, lotion, razor, toothbrush, and toothpaste. Please consider providing products that can be used for diverse hair types and skin needs.

February: Bedding Kits

Kits include twin-sized (standard or long) sheet set, comforter, and pillow(s).

March: Snack Bags

Snacks should come individually wrapped. A snack bag should include a something to drink (bottle of water, Gatorade, or a juice box), snack bar, bag of crackers (Goldfish or something similar), and something sweet (a pack of gummy worms or a few pieces of candy).

April: Spring Cleaning Kits

Support participants in Avivo’s housing programs as they clean their new home this spring! The kit should include a trash can (13 gallon), all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, kitchen sponges, dish soap, hand soap, garbage bags (13 gallon), paper towels, mop, broom, and laundry soap.

May: New Recovery Participant Success Kit

Help new Avivo participants start their recovery journeys by providing basic classroom items. Kit should include drawstring backpack, reusable water bottle, two spiral notebooks, and a pack of pens.

June: Avivo Village Summer Resident Kit

Help Avivo Village residents thrive this summer by providing summer-related items. Summer Resident Kits include an insulated lunchbox/tote, desk fan (wall plug, not USB), a cooling neck wrap/towel, and a reusable water bottle.

July: Summer Dining Kit

Help newly-housed Avivo participants enjoy a summer meal as they move into housing by providing them with dining sets. Kits include two pairs (four total items) of plates, bowls, water cups, mugs, spoons, forks, and butter knives. Optional items include dish soap, kitchen sponge, dish/kitchen drying towel.

August: Culturally-Specific Hygiene Kits

Nearly 70% of the people Avivo serves identify as Black, and we are asking for specific products that will support their hair and body needs. Items that work best for these adults and their children are hair and body products that contain shea butter or coconut oil. Download a list of recommended products and brands. Hygiene kits should include:

  • Adult hygiene kits: shampoo, conditioner, body wash or soap, loofa or washcloth, lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, razor, and a brush, comb or pick (best packaged in a mesh shower caddy or a reusable shopping bag)
  • Child hygiene kits: shampoo, body wash, loofa or washcloth, lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a brush (best packaged in a bath toy bag or reusable shopping bag)
  • Baby hygiene kits: shampoo/wash, baby washcloths, diaper cream, lotion, pack of diapers (current need is size 4), and pack of wipes (best packaged in a diaper bag or a reusable shopping bag)

September: First Aid Kits

Support our teams and those we serve by donating First Aid Kits, either pre-packaged or put together by you. First Aid Kits have been added to our Target Charity Registry. If you choose to assemble yourself, kits should include bandages, gauze (either a roll or individual pads), cleansing wipes, antibiotic (either cream, ointment, or spray), and skin tape.

 

For more information or to schedule a donation drop-off, contact giving@avivomn.org.

 

 

 

 

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