Get involved

Small Acts of Kindness Make a Big Difference

Whether you give items, make a financial donation, volunteer your time, or involve your business, your support helps us care for children and families right here in our community.

Donate items

We gladly accept new and like-new items that are clean, safe and complete. Our inventory lists show exactly which sizes and items we're accepting right now.

See what we're accepting

Give money

Cash gifts help us buy what donations don't cover, like new car seats, diapers in the sizes we're out of, and cribs.

Online giving: Coming soon

Dear Darling is a Minnesota nonprofit corporation and has not yet received 501(c)(3) status, so gifts are not currently tax-deductible.

Volunteer

  • Help build the foster closet space by painting and light construction
  • Receive, check and sort donations
  • Check baby gear for recalls
  • Pack go-bags by age
  • Help families shop
  • Pick up donations and help at events

Email us to get started. Every volunteer signs a confidentiality agreement.

what we're accepting

Our donation inventory

Use the arrows or pick a category to browse. We update these lists as our shelves fill up.

Baby & Toddler Clothing Inventory

little darlings

New or like-new, clean and stain-free. Seasonal items: please email us first.

BabyBoyGirl
NewbornAcceptingAccepting
0–3 monthsAcceptingAccepting
3–6 monthsAcceptingAccepting
6–9 monthsAcceptingAccepting
9–12 monthsAcceptingAccepting
12–18 monthsAcceptingAccepting
18–24 monthsAcceptingAccepting
ToddlerBoyGirl
2TAcceptingAccepting
3TAcceptingAccepting
4TAcceptingAccepting
5TAcceptingAccepting

Kids & Teen Clothing Inventory

everyday outfits

New or like-new. Teen clothing should be in current styles.

KidsBoyGirl
XS (4–5)AcceptingAccepting
S (6–7)AcceptingAccepting
M (8)AcceptingAccepting
L (10–12)AcceptingAccepting
XL (14–16)AcceptingAccepting
Teen / AdultTeen boy / MenTeen girl / Women
Adult XSAcceptingAccepting
Adult SAcceptingAccepting
Adult MAcceptingAccepting
Adult LAcceptingAccepting
Adult XLAcceptingAccepting
Adult 2XL+AcceptingAccepting

Baby & Toddler Pajamas Inventory

cozy nights

New or like-new. Pajamas are one of our most-needed items.

Baby sleepersBoyGirl
NewbornAcceptingAccepting
0–3 monthsAcceptingAccepting
3–6 monthsAcceptingAccepting
6–9 monthsAcceptingAccepting
9–12 monthsAcceptingAccepting
12–18 monthsAcceptingAccepting
18–24 monthsAcceptingAccepting
ToddlerBoyGirl
2TAcceptingAccepting
3TAcceptingAccepting
4TAcceptingAccepting
5TAcceptingAccepting

Kids & Teen Pajamas Inventory

sweet dreams

New or like-new, in all sizes.

KidsBoyGirl
XS (4–5)AcceptingAccepting
S (6–7)AcceptingAccepting
M (8)AcceptingAccepting
L (10–12)AcceptingAccepting
XL (14–16)AcceptingAccepting
Teen / AdultTeen boy / MenTeen girl / Women
Adult XSAcceptingAccepting
Adult SAcceptingAccepting
Adult MAcceptingAccepting
Adult LAcceptingAccepting
Adult XLAcceptingAccepting
Adult 2XL+AcceptingAccepting

Underwear & Socks Inventory

the basics

New only, in the package.

Toddler underwearBoyGirl
2T–3TAcceptingAccepting
4T–5TAcceptingAccepting
Kids underwearBoyGirl
XS (4–5)AcceptingAccepting
S (6–7)AcceptingAccepting
M (8)AcceptingAccepting
L (10–12)AcceptingAccepting
XL (14–16)AcceptingAccepting
Teen / Adult underwearMenWomen
XS–SAcceptingAccepting
M–LAcceptingAccepting
XL–2XL+AcceptingAccepting
Socks & moreNotesStatus
SocksBaby to adultAccepting
Bras & sports brasTeen sizesAccepting
UndershirtsKids & teenAccepting

Shoes Inventory

happy feet

New or like-new with good soles and laces. Clean, not worn down.

Baby & toddlerBoyGirl
Baby 0–4AcceptingAccepting
Toddler 5–6AcceptingAccepting
Toddler 7–8AcceptingAccepting
Toddler 9–10AcceptingAccepting
KidsBoyGirl
Little kid 11–13AcceptingAccepting
Big kid 1–3AcceptingAccepting
Big kid 4–7AcceptingAccepting
Teen / AdultMenWomen
Adult 5–7AcceptingAccepting
Adult 8–9AcceptingAccepting
Adult 10–11AcceptingAccepting
Adult 12+AcceptingAccepting
SeasonalNotesStatus
Winter bootsAll sizes, please email firstAccepting
Sandals & water shoesSummer onlyAccepting

Diapers & Wipes Inventory

for little ones

New only, in sealed or opened-but-clean packages of the same size.

DiapersNotesStatus
NewbornSealed packsAccepting
Size 1–2Sealed packsAccepting
Size 3–4Most neededAccepting
Size 5–7Most neededAccepting
Pull-ups & moreNotesStatus
Pull-ups 2T–3TSealed packsAccepting
Pull-ups 3T–4TSealed packsAccepting
Pull-ups 4T–5TSealed packsAccepting
Overnight pantsKids sizesAccepting
Baby wipesUnscented preferredAccepting
Diaper creamUnopened, not expiredAccepting

Hygiene Inventory

feel-good essentials

New and unopened only. Full-size products for teens, travel sizes welcome for go-bags.

BabyNotesStatus
Baby wash & shampooUnopenedAccepting
Baby lotionUnopenedAccepting
Brushes & combsSoft bristleAccepting
Nail clippersBaby sizeAccepting
Kids & teensNotesStatus
Toothbrushes & toothpasteKids and adultAccepting
Shampoo & conditionerFull or travel sizeAccepting
Body wash & soapFull or travel sizeAccepting
DeodorantGender-neutral welcomeAccepting
Hair care for all hair typesLeave-in, oils, detangler, satin bonnetsAccepting
Brushes, combs & hair tiesNewAccepting
Face wash & lotionUnopenedAccepting
Feminine productsPads, tampons, linersAccepting

Baby Gear & Car Seats Inventory

safe from day one

Gear must be complete, clean and not recalled. Car seats must be new, in the box and unexpired.

GearNotesStatus
StrollersLike-new, all partsAccepting
High chairsLike-new, straps includedAccepting
Play yards / pack-n-playsLike-new, not recalledAccepting
Bouncers & swingsLike-new, workingAccepting
Baby carriersLike-newAccepting
Bottles, nipples & pacifiersNew onlyAccepting
SafetyNotesStatus
Infant car seatsNew, in box, not expiredAccepting
Convertible car seatsNew, in box, not expiredAccepting
Booster seatsNew, in box, not expiredAccepting

Bedding & Comfort Inventory

snug & safe

Bedding new or like-new and washed. Pillows and mattresses new only.

SleepNotesStatus
Cribs & toddler bedsMade after June 28, 2011; please email firstAccepting
Crib mattressesNew onlyAccepting
Crib sheetsNew or like-newAccepting
Twin, full & queen sheetsNew or like-newAccepting
Blankets & throwsNew or like-newAccepting
Sleep sacksNew or like-newAccepting
PillowsNew onlyAccepting
Comfort & go-bagsNotesStatus
Duffel bagsNew or like-new, most neededAccepting
BackpacksNew or like-newAccepting
Stuffed animalsNew onlyAccepting
Books, puzzles & gamesComplete, good conditionAccepting
ToysComplete, workingAccepting
AcceptingHigh needNot right now
Donation guidelines

Every child deserves our best.

Children experiencing foster or kinship care deserve items that feel special, cared for, and truly their own. That’s why we’re intentional about what we accept. All donated items should be new or in like-new condition—something you would feel good giving to a child you love. Being selective allows us to make sure every child who shops at Dear Darling receives items with dignity and care.

Before you drop off

  • New or like-new only: no stains, rips, holes, pilling or obvious wear
  • Washed and ready to use
  • From a smoke-free, pet-free home
  • Complete, working and not expired
  • Bagged and labeled by type and size, like "Girls 4T"

Drop-off

Location & hours: Coming soon

Please don't leave donations outside or inside the building when a volunteer isn't there. For large items like cribs, strollers and high chairs, email us first so we can make room.

We can't accept

  • Used car seats or boosters
  • Drop-side cribs or cribs made before June 28, 2011
  • Recalled items, crib bumpers or inclined sleepers
  • Opened or expired products, or medications
  • Weapons, toy weapons or fragrance items
  • Furniture, appliances or chemicals

Local businesses & groups

  • Host a donation or go-bag drive
  • Run a round-up at checkout
  • Hold a give-back night
  • Donate an item or basket for our silent auction

We'll make it simple and put the details in writing.

Gift cards & wish list

Gift cards to Target, Walmart, Amazon and shoe stores help us fill the sizes we're missing.

Online wish list: Coming soon

Not sure about an item? Email us at [email protected] before you drop it off.

coming soon

We’re Building Dear Darling! 🤍

We’re currently working behind the scenes to get the Dear Darling foster closet ready and fully stocked for the children and families we’ll serve.

Soon, you’ll be able to support the closet through our Amazon Wish List, Target and Walmart registries, and online donation portal.

In the meantime, we’d love your help! If you’re interested in donating items, making a financial contribution, volunteering, or getting involved in another way, please email us. We’d be so grateful to have you be part of building Dear Darling from the very beginning.

Email Us →

Thank you for helping us fill the shelves before we open our doors.