785-832-8864

DONATE TO LCS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES NOW

Other ways to donate

Sell on eBay
Sell something on eBay and donate a portion (or even all) of the profits to LCS!
LCS is listed with the eBay Giving Works program, verified by MissionFish.

Be a mentor

Having someone to listen can be irreplacable for someone who survives in a city where no one takes the time to get to know him. Volunteer to tutor someone in basic computer skills, resume writing, clerical skills, cooking, landscaping or whatever vocational skills you have an interest in.

Shop for us

When grocery shopping, throw something extra into your cart for LCS and bring it by - coffee, creamer, sugar, cereal, milk, and bread are always in need. Laundry and house cleaning supplies are also very handy.

Talk with us

Spend two hours of your time hanging out between 8 pm to 10 pm and just chatting with LCS guests or helping out with staff during the evening meal until lights out time for the guests.

Party for us

Host a dinner party, barbeque, luncheon, etc. and encourage guests to bring a donation for LCS (money, food, new toiletries, batteries, bus vouchers, etc.). You can even create a theme around the donated items (example: camping gear with an outdoor barbeque).

Hire us

Hire an LCS guest or two for day labor activities such as yard work, cleaning out the garage, moving, etc.

  • Volunteer for a fundraising committee

  • Lead a group discussion at your place of worship, a dinner party, or any gathering

  • Have a garage sale and donate a portion of your profits to LCS
frequently asked questions
lawrence community shelter, lawrence kansas emergency homeless shelter

How You Can Help

It all comes down to three things: Money, Time, or Stuff.

Most people have at least one of those things. If you have money, drop a check in the mail to 214 W 10th St, Lawrence KS 66044 or use the Donate button above. If you have time, speak with our volunteer coordinator to determine when and where you can best help. If you have stuff, speak with Dianne Huggins at 832-8864 to coordinate the stuff you want to donate.


Stuff to donate: Items always in need

Space at LCS is very limited - please call ahead if you are bringing large quantities of anything.

General Needs

  • Cleaning Supplies (all-purpose cleaners)
  • Laundry Detergent (for High Efficiency machines, marked HE)
  • generic bleach is used to clean and disinfect many surfaces; also used in laundering the shelter bedding & towels
  • Towels of all sizes
  • Blankets
  • Camping or Yoga style sleeping mats
  • Paper Towels
  • Bus Tickets
  • Copy Paper & Office Supplies

Food Needs

  • Peanut Butter
  • Jelly
  • Coffee
  • Creamer, Sugar, and Sugar Substitutes
  • Oatmeal Packets
  • Dry Cereal
  • Milk
  • Individually-Wrapped Snack Items (for sack lunches)
  • Spices and condiments, except mustard (we seem to already have a LOT of mustard)
    • for example: salad dressing, barbeque sauce, italian seasoning, hot sauce, lemon pepper, Mrs. Dash, seasoning salt, etc. - spices that individuals might add at the table to a prepared meal
  • Individual prepackaged snack items (chips, cookies, granola bars, etc. with extended shelf life)
  • Nuts
  • Juice Boxes
  • Canned Peas
  • Canned Carrots
  • Canned Pork & Beans
  • Canned Ravioli
  • Canned Tomatoes (not tomato sauce)
  • Velveeta (the 1-pound box style)
  • Powdered cheese for Mac-n-cheese type dishes (buy bulk powder @ Firehouse)
  • Any food donation is welcome!

ACTIVITY Needs

  • G-rated books and magazines
  • Writing paper and spiral-bound notebooks or blank journals
  • Stationery, greeting cards, and letter-rate postage stamps
  • Decks of playing cards
  • Board games

GUEST Needs

  • New Socks (always in great need)
  • New Underwear (always in great need)
  • T-shirts
  • Hats, mittens/gloves, and scarves during winter
  • Call before bringing children's clothes to see what age ranges are currently needed
  • Flashlights
  • Backpacks
  • Blank journals
  • Sunglasses
  • Camping gear (bedrolls, sleeping bags, lanterns, tarps)
  • Portable CD players and radios
  • Music on CDs
  • Batteries (AAA, AA, A, C, D for radios, flashlights, etc.)
  • Toiletries
    • Disposable razors
    • Hand lotion
    • Facial tissue pocket packs
    • Band-aids
    • Sunscreen
    • Toothbrushes & toothpaste
    • Fingernail clippers
    • Travel-size toiletries
    • soap & shampoo
    • feminine hygiene items
  • Over-the-counter remedies (closely controlled and dispensed by staff)
    • Vitamins
    • Cold/Flu remedies
    • NSAID painkillers (Tylenol, Advil, Aspirin, etc)
    • first-aid supplies (bandaids, antibotic ointment, etc.