Photo of water bottles at Costco

Essential Needs

We are in constant need of essential items that change seasonally. Below, is a current list and ways to help gather them. For questions, please contact Alysha Sutton, Director of Community Engagement at alysha.sutton@voaut.org.

All items listed below can be purchased and delivered to you or VOA Utah via our Essential Needs Amazon Wishlist:

AMAZON ESSENTIAL NEEDS WISHLIST
Updated August 19th, 2024
    • Underwear, must be new and unused, we cannot accept used underwear.
      Men's and women's sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
    • New or gently used bras and sports bras, sizes small to XXXL
    • Men's clothing, can be gently used or new, sizes M to XXXL
    • Men's and women's athletic shoes, can be gently used or new
    • Men's and women's jeans, can be gently used or new
    • Light weight blankets, can be gently used or new
    • Rain ponchos and tarps

    1. Collect some or all of these items and drop-off at one of our three locations:

    All items on the "Essential Needs" list do not require an appointment to drop off. Any staff member at the following locations will accept your donation however appointments are appreciated to allow us to prepare for your arrival.
    Photo of volunteers preparing a meal
    Recovery on Redwood Road

    Drop-off appointments: Mon, Wed, and Fri,
    Address: 1875 S Redwood Road, Salt Lake City

    SIGN UP TO DROP-OFF
    Photo of volunteers serving a meal
    Youth Resource Center

    Drop-off appointments: Mon, Thu, Fri.
    Address: 888 S. 400 W, Salt Lake City
    385-505-2611

    SIGN UP TO DROP-OFF
    Photo of volunteers sorting donations
    Women's Resource Center

    Drop-off appointments: Mon, Thu, Fri.
    Address: 131 E. 700 South, Salt Lake City
    385-831-9647

    SIGN UP TO DROP-OFF

    2. Host a drive of your own and gather more! Here are two examples:

    Photo of Volunteers dropping off donations
    General Essential Needs Donaton Drive

    The classic community drive! You pick a location, spread the word on what you're collecting (get ideas from the Amazon Wishlists above) and when your event is, and then drop off at one of our locations. We can help you get your General Donation Drive organized so email alysha.sutton@voaut.org for more information.

    SIGN UP TO DROP-OFF
    Photo of a group of volunteers hosting a packing event
    Essential Needs 'Pack' Event

    A great opportunity for small to large groups. We'll work with you on a list of essential needs, your company will provide us with the money to purchase the items (or you can), and then we organize an event for you to pack backpacks. An example of a currently needed pack:

    Essential Summer Needs Kit - average cost per kit: $6
    + Water Bottle
    + Electrolyte Drink Powder
    + Lip Balm
    + Sunscreen/Aloe Vera

    Please note, we are unable to accept...

    Used underwear, clothing in poor condition (dirty, torn, tattered, or otherwise damaged), large and small appliances, computers, furniture, mattresses, pillows, construction materials, flammable materials, electronics—including televisions or small appliances—or any other material over 75 pounds. We cannot accept baby items, including clothing, toys, furniture (walkers, swings, or play yards), car seats, or other equipment unless specifically requested. Seek other local organizations for such donations!

    For the health and safety of our clients, we only accept canned and packaged food in original packaging. All food must be unexpired and in good condition with the actual food label intact.In general, we only accept items that our clients can use. Please limit your donations to a current VOA Utah needs list. If you have items not found on one of our lists in usable condition, please consider donating to Deseret Industries.

    In-kind donations may be eligible for a tax deduction. Please consult your tax specialist for further details. We will provide a receipt for your contribution. The Federal Tax ID number for Volunteers of America, Utah is 94-3008720