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    • About
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  • About
  • Services
  • Resources
  • Volunteer
  • Donate
  • Staff, Board & Reports
  • Contact & FAQ's
The Connect Center

Partner with Us

At The Connect Center, we believe we are stronger together. Your generosity allows us to expand our services and reach more families in Washington County. Join us in making a lasting impact today. 


 Donations are tax-deductible. 

give now

Support our Mission: Donation Guidelines

Items We Gratefully Accept

We prioritize items that meet immediate hygiene, comfort, and seasonal needs. All items must be new or in "like-new" condition.  

Hygiene & Personal Care

  • Dental: Toothbrushes and toothpaste. 
  • Body Care: Deodorant, Full-size Shampoo, Conditioner, Lotion, and Body Wash. 
  • Essentials: Feminine hygiene products, disposable razors, and shaving cream. 
  • First Aid & Health: Chapstick, bandages, and condoms. 
  • Household Essentials: Laundry detergent (pods work great), dish soap, and   disinfectant wipes.

Food & Comfort

  • Snacks: Non-perishable individually wrapped snacks. 
  • Bedding: New or like-new blankets, throws, and sleeping bags. 

Winter Wear (Adults & Children)

  • Waterproof gloves and mittens (New or like-new). 
  • Warm winter hats (New or like-new).  
  • Warm socks (New or like-new).

Items We CANNOT accept

 While we appreciate all offers of support, we cannot accept the following due to space and health regulations: 

  • Clothing: We do not accept general clothing or used undergarments (please see our partners below). 
  • Open Items: Used hygiene products, opened bottles, or unsealed personal care items. 
  • Perishables: Fresh food or items requiring refrigeration. 
  • Expired Goods: Anything past its "best by" or expiration date. 
  • Damaged Items: Items with stains, tears, or odors. 

Where to Donate Clothing & Household Goods

Valley Outreach

Valley Outreach

Valley Outreach

Focus: General clothing and food shelf 

Address: 1911 Curve Crest Blvd W, Stillwater, MN 55082 

Website: valleyoutreachmn.org 

Phone: (651) 430-2739 

Basic Needs

Valley Outreach

Valley Outreach

 Focus: Clothing and a wide variety of household items for their thrift store. 

Address: 6990 80th Street South, Ste. 200, Cottage Grove, MN 55016

Website: basicneedsmn.org 

Phone: (651) 207-8659 

Bridging

Valley Outreach

Bridging

Focus: Quality furniture, large appliances, and household goods for families in transition. 

Addresses: 1730 Terrace Drive, Roseville, MN 55113 and  201 West 87th Street, Bloomington, MN 55420 

Website: bridging.org 

Phone: (952) 888-1105 

Donation Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at info@theconnectcenter.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.

 Please contact us at 651-231-7807 or info@theconnectcenter.org to verify the donations items are ones we will take and to set up a time to drop your donation off.  


Yes! Gift cards are an incredibly impactful way to help. While we accept all types, gas and grocery gift cards are our most frequently requested items and provide immediate relief to families in transition.  


Yes! The Connect Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We provide a donation receipt for all donations, including in-kind.  Please note that IRS regulations require donors to determine the "Fair Market Value" of their in-kind donated items. 


Due to limited storage space, we cannot accept large furniture or appliances. We recommend reaching out to Basic Needs or Bridging for these items.  


While we do accept specific items like new winter gear and socks, we partner with Valley Outreach and Basic Needs for general clothing. This allows us to focus our limited space on hygiene and immediate crisis supplies. 


We accept "like-new" blankets and winter gear. However, for hygiene and safety reasons, all personal care items (shampoo, razors, etc.) must be brand new and factory sealed.  


Yes, please! If you are planning a donation drive or have a large bulk delivery, contact us at 651-231-7807 or info@theconnectcenter.org so we can ensure we have the staff and space ready to receive it.  


Absolutely! Donation drive tool kits are coming soon.  Please check back. 


Donations directly fund our programs for youth, individuals, and families facing housing insecurity in Washington County. Your support provides essential resources for our unhoused outreach, emergency financial assistance, and long-term stability services. Every gift stays local, ensuring our neighbors have the immediate relief and ongoing support they need to thrive. 


Stay in Touch

Learn more about our upcoming events, fundraisers, and more!

The Connect Center

Main Office: 609 5th Street South, Stillwater, MN, USA

651-231-7807

Copyright © 2026 The Connect Center - All Rights Reserved.

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