Please note, Maine Needs will be closed December 24th-26th, December 31st and January 1st.

We strive to get basic, essential resources to those who need them most.

DONATION HOURS:

Tuesday: 8am-1pm, 6pm-8pm
Thursday: 10am-12pm
Saturday: 10am-12pm

Location:

Maine Needs
332 Forest Ave
Portland, ME 04101

What we need

DONATION Guidelines:

Give like you are giving to your best friend - Washed and in great condition, no stains, tears or dog hair. No formal wear or business attire, no political, religious or crude language.

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.

    • DIAPERS, especially size 5 & 6 (open packages welcome)

    • Wipes

    • Baby socks

    • 0-12 month toys

    • Baby carriers/wraps

    • Board books

    • Bottles (if used, clean & sanitized)

    • Strollers

    • Crib sheets

    • Baby blankets

    • NEW underwear

    • Boys clothes sizes 6 & up

    • Girls clothes 5T & 6

    • Snow pants

    • Winter boots

    • Winter coats

    • Waterproof gloves

    • Duplos & legos, blocks

    • Water bottles

    • NEW underwear

    • Boots all sizes

    • Winter coats

    • Warm socks

    • Leggings, jeans, sweatpants

    • NEW underwear

    • Sweatpants/casual pants

    • Sweatshirts & hoodies

    • Boots & sneakers, all sizes

    • Winter coats

    • Waterproof gloves

    • Warm socks

    • Thermals

    • Twin, full & queen,comforters & blankets

    • Bath towels

    • New pillows

    • Utensil sets

    • Shampoo & conditioner

    • Body wash

    • Large stock pots, pots & pans

    • Crock pots & Instant pots

    • Tents

    • Cold weather sleeping bags

    • Adult backpacks

    • $5-10 DD gift cards

    • $25-50 Target & Walmart gift cards

    • Cleaning

    • Toiletry

    • Minute for Mom

    • Mini Warmth Kit

    Make a kit

Interested in starting a collection drive?

It's simple! Just grab a box, download your flyer, print, and you're ready to help make an impact!

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! We have now established “Better Together”, a collection of 16 facebook groups representing all 16 counties in Maine. These groups will act as bridges connecting those who need specific items with folks who have those items to donate, and vice versa. People will be 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:

FAQs

  • Yes, usually plenty! We are in the back lot of the same building as Kitchen Cove and Necessary Technology. Sandwiched between the USM library and Oakhurst Dairy.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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 Facebook marketplace.

  • No, but gear hub does and they are amazing! Gear Hub Portland

  • 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 Country Groups!

  • No but other local organizations do! Check out Furniture Friends & Habitat Restore.

  • 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!

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 needs with those who can give.