We strive to get basic, essential resources to those who need them most.
DONATION HOURS:
Tuesday 10am-1pm, 6pm-8pm
Thursday 10am-1pm
*Please note, Maine Needs will be closed July 1st - July 5th.
Location:
Maine Needs
2385 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04102
Please bring donations to the doors around the back of the building. We’ll meet you inside to sort through your items together!
What we need
DONATION Guidelines:
Give like you are giving to your best friend - washed and in great condition, no stains, tears or pet hair. No formal wear or business attire, no political, religious or crude language. PLEASE NO BIG, BLACK TRASH BAGS- please sort into smaller reusable grocery bags, paper bags or other totes.
Please note:
If you have something to give that isn’t specifically listed here, you can always ask a volunteer at drop off to sort through your donations with you. We can generally take in season clothing for all ages/sizes unless specifically stated otherwise.
If you have items we can’t accept, we will do our best to help you find another place to donate to.
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ACCEPTING:
0-6 month clothing
Sun hats
Diapers open packages welcome
Wipes
Baby socks & booties
Toys, teethers, rattles
Baby carriers/wraps
Board books
Bottles (if used, clean & sanitized)
Strollers
Crib sheets
Baby blankets
Baby tubs
Play mats
*We cannot accept breast pumps, playpens, pack n plays or high chairs.
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ACCEPTING:
Casual clothing
NEW underwear
Very gently used or new socks
Sneakers, crocs, casual shoes
Duplos & legos, blocks
Action figures, dolls, animal figurines
Great condition books in all languages
Costumes
Water bottles
Deodorant
Backpacks
Lunchboxes
Mineral sunscren
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ACCEPTING:
Casual clothing
NEW underwear
NEW socks
Sneakers
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ACCEPTING
Casual warm clothing
Sweatpants
Hoodies
Work boots
Waterproof gloves
NEW underwear
NEW socks
Sneakers
Durable work wear (Carhartt, Dickies)
T-shirts, long & short sleeved
Basic belts
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ACCEPTING:
Twin, full, queen and king sheet sets, comforters & blankets
Bath towels & washcloths
NEW shower curtain liners
NEW pillows
Bagless vaccuums
New, small tool kits
Silverware sets
Basic cooking utensils
Basic dish sets
Large stock pots, pots & pans
Crock pots & Instant pots
Toasters
Blenders
Mixing bowls
Microwaves
Great condition water bottles
Smartphones (w/ charger)
*we cannot accept cups requiring straws, solo coffee mugs with logos/personalization, single curtains, vases or decor items, cheesecake pans, bundt cake pans, fine china, lamps or furniture.
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ACCEPTING:
All purpose spray
Sponges
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Dish scrubbers
Toilet scrubbers
Laundry detergent
Dish soap
Trash bags
Brooms
Mops
*ALL CLEANING PRODUCTS MUST BE NEW/UNOPENED
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ACCEPTING:
Shampoo & conditioner
Bar soap, hand soap, body soap
Deodorant
Sunscreen
Tick spray
Body lotion
Basic first aid items
Period products
*TOILETRIES MUST BE NEW/UNOPENED.
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ACCEPTING:
Tents
Sleeping bags
Sleeping mats
Personal sized coolers
Water bottles
Adult backpacks, duffel bags
$5-10 DD gift cards
Smartphones (w/ charger)
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Cleaning
Hygiene
Minute for Mom
Summer Fun
Interested in starting a collection drive?
Have items we can’t accept?
We encourage you to offer those items on your county’s Better Together Facebook Group.
Maine Needs began by digging into the needs of families in Greater Portland, but we didn’t want to stop there! So we established “Better Together”, a collection of 16 Facebook groups representing all 16 counties in Maine. These groups act as bridges connecting those who need specific items with folks who have those items to donate, and vice versa. People are able to freely post what they need or what they have to give within their own community.
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS LOCAL TO PORTLAND THAT ACCEPT DONATIONS INCLUDE:
Happy Home Computers (Computers newer than 2012 only. All computers are redistributed for free to those who need them!)
FAQs
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Yes, our parking lot has 100 spots! The parking towards the front of the lot is prioritized for providers picking up requests. Parking for donation drop off is around the back of the building and volunteers are welcome to park in any of the back tier spots.
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Yes! We update them each season as needs arise and would absolutely love you to make some with your friends, family or coworkers, they mean a lot to the people that receive them. Currently Needed Kits.
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Yes! Mostly! But we welcome new too. If you want to buy new, please buy things that are hard to come by gently used. Like large pots, diapers, diaper wipes, pads, new underwear, warm socks, zero degree sleeping bags, waterproof tents, adult snow boots, kids snow pants, plus size lounge pants, cleaning supplies and toiletries. Order our most needed items here!
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No, but Lots for Tots in Falmouth and Scarborough does! You can sell with them and they have a Maine Needs Fund on site to donate to! Neither of us can accept car seats due to liability but you can post unexpired car seats on your local Better Together group.
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No, but gear hub does and they are amazing! Gear Hub Portland
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No. We are volunteer run and that's not something we want to take on anytime soon. You can always post in the Better Together County Groups!
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No but other local organizations do! Check out Furniture Friends & Habitat Restore.
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If you are not close to Portland but want to help, we’d love to help you find a place closer to you to donate gently used items. Send us a message!
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Yes! You can grab one in person or print one directly from our website. See ‘Donation Receipt’ link under the ‘Donate’ tab.
Looking for other ways to contribute?
Whether it's time and energy through volunteering, material goods, money, skills, or support, we ask everyone to get involved in their own way so we can connect what is needed with what you have to give.