In-Kind Donations
Mutual Ground is very grateful to individuals who support our programs, services, and clients with donations of items from our wishlists and items that we regularly need for our shelter such as pantry, cleaning supplies and hygiene items.
In-kind donations also include donations of new or very gently used clothing to support our clothing closet. When considering donating used goods to Mutual Ground, please ask yourself “Is this item in good enough condition for my family?” We take pride in offering our shelter residents and clients items that are still in good/useable condition.
Donation Drop-Off Information
Mutual Ground is a secure facility; therefore, we are unable to accept donations at all times.
Donations of items from our wishlist can be dropped off during our normal weekly donation drop-off times listed on our website.
If you wish to drop-off a donation at a time not listed, you must schedule an appointment with our Volunteer Program Administrator, Julie Zeman at jzeman@mutualground.org or by calling 630-897-0084 x104.
CAN MY DONATION BE PICKED UP? Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to accommodate pick-ups.
Drop-Off Location
Mutual Ground’s Main Campus | 418 Oak Avenue | Aurora, IL 60506
Current Drop-Off Hours
Mondays: 8:00am - 1:00pm
Wednesdays: 8:00am - 1:00pm
Drop-Off Procedures
Enter our campus from driveway off of West Park Avenue and stop your car at Door #2. Ring the “bell” on the Donate Here sign.
Donation receipts are available – please request one if not offered.
Donate from our Amazon Wishlist! These are items that have been requested by our clients, needed for our shelter, or needed to support our programs. Donating from Amazon allows you to conveniently shop online and ship donations directly to Mutual Ground.
Donations can be shipped to:
Mutual Ground | 418 Oak Avenue | Aurora, IL, 60506
Please review our Wishlist and list of items we are not accepting. If items you are wishing to donated are not on these lists please contact Julie Zeman to ensure we can accept items you are donating at jzeman@mutualground.org or 630-897-0084 x104
Mutual Ground’s Wishlist
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Baby Wipes
Hair products for various cultural hair types
Dish Soap
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Gift Cards
Store Cards: Amazon, Target, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, etc.)
Fast Food Gift Cards
Gas cards valued at $20+
Uber/Lyft Gift Cards – valued $25 or $50
Household/Cleaning Products:
Aluminum Foil
Bathroom Cleaning Products
Brooms/Dust pans
Dish Detergent - liquid
Dish Detergent - pods
Disinfecting Wipes
Disposable cutlery
Disposable plates/bowls, etc.
Fabric Softener - liquid
Floor Cleaner
Freezer Ziplock Bags — all sizes
Hand Soap
Kleenex – regular & pocket
Large cooking pots
Laundry Detergent - pods
Lysol Spray
Mops
NEW Twin Size Bedding: Pillows, Pillow Protectors, Mattress Pads/Covers, Sheet Sets/Pillowcases, Comforters/Blankets
Paper Towels
Plastic Laundry Baskets
Swiffer refills
Toilet Paper
Towels (new): Bath Towels, Hand Towels, Wash Rags
Trash Bags – all sizes
Personal Care (full sizes/family sizes):
Bar Soap
Body Wash
Brushes/Roller Hair Brushes
Chapstick
Combs
Hand lotion
Loofas
Lotions
Razors
Shampoo/Conditioner - including multicultural brands
Shaving Cream (women & men)
Vaseline
Pantry Items (Unexpired/Unopened):
Canned Soups
Cookies
Crackers
Fruit juice (plastic container or individual sized)
Ground Coffee
Oatmeal
Powdered Creamer – plain or flavored
Snacks: Fruit Cups, Jell-O Cups, Pudding Cups, Granola Bars, Fruit Snacks
Spaghetti Sauce
Items for Baby (New)
Baby Lotion
Baby Shampoo/Bodywash
Baby Wipes
Crib Mattress Pad Protectors
Crib Sheets (new)
Diaper Cream
Onesies/Clothing
Clothing
Bras (All Sizes)
Pajamas for Adults and Children (All Sizes)
Socks for Adults and Children (All Sizes - new)
Underwear for Adult and Children (All Sizes - new)
Dental Care (Unexpired/Unopened):
Dental Floss
Mouthwash
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste (children/adult)
Other Items
Disposable Underwear
Earplugs – for sleep
Eye Masks – for sleep
Flat Irons
Hair Dryers
Headphones (all types, Bluetooth, wired, etc.)
Make-up Remover/Wipes
Nail Clippers/Files
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New or gently used clothing for all ages and genders
New or gently used scrubs
New or gently used pajamas all ages and sizes
New or gently used shoes
New or gently used kitchen or household appliances
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Damaged/Dirty Used Clothing
Used stuffed animals
Used bedding
Used mattresses
Opened or expired food or hygiene items
Hotel branded travel size products
***Large household furniture – if you are interested in donating large furniture please email Julie Zeman at jzeman@mutualgroud.org, with a description of the furniture (and picture if possible). We will share it with our staff to see if they have a client in need. If we have a client in need we will help coordinate the donation.
Other Organizations Accepting Donations:
Other Donation Information
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Car Donations
Mutual Ground is delighted to partner with Cars of Hope for our car donations. This partnership allows us to provide additional support to clients in need of transportation.
Donated cars are evaluated and necessary repairs are made, if repairs are too costly cars are sold at auction and funds are used to repair other cars in the program. Additional funds raised are used to support other repairs and cars.
To donate a car to Mutual Ground please contact Cars of Hope at
(224) 216-CARS and let them know you were directed by Mutual Ground. -
Cellphone or Tablet Donations
Have any old cellphones or tablets you no longer use? Drop them off at Mutual Ground to be recycled! This campaign helps provide extra financial support to Mutual Ground. We will recycle cellphones of any age, condition, or value.