DONATING MONEY
If you prefer to donate money towards the purchase of items for shelter guests, we encourage you to give directly to YMCA of the Roses. There are two ways to give money directly.
- CLICK HERE to give online at the YMCA Giving page. Under the “Program” option, select “Clay Street Shelter”.
- or, send a check written out to “YMCA of the Roses”, with memo line “Clay Street Shelter”, to: YMCA of the Roses, 265 Harrisburg Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603 ATTN: Nancy Pleger
DONATING ITEMS DIRECTLY
If you, your group, or your office would like to donate items directly, follow these steps:
STEP 1: Contact Otterbein Church
The needs at the shelter are constantly changing, and we may already have plenty of a certain item at any given time. We ask that you contact the church office at (717) 394-3755 or by email at info@otterbeinlancaster.org to inquire about donating items.
A representative from Otterbein’s Missions committee will contact you. They’ll provide up-to-date information on items that are currently needed. If you choose to donate items, they will schedule a drop-off date and time.
STEP 2: Gather Items
Items should be new and in good condition. The list bottom gives an idea of the types of items that the shelter welcomes. Once you have purchased items or completed your group/office donation drive, you’re ready for step 3.
STEP 3: Deliver and Rejoice!
Reach out to your contact at Otterbein Church (See Step 1 above) to confirm delivery details at either the shelter parking lot entrance or at the YMCA City Center branch, depending on the day of week and time. When you arrive, you’ll be asked to complete a YMCA In-Kind Donation form and pose for a quick photo. Feel free to print the form and fill it out ahead of time if you like.
- Clay Street Shelter Entrance: Behind the church building at 20 East Clay Street, accessible via Christian Street
- YMCA City Center: 265 Harrisburg Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603
Looking to give in other ways?
You can also volunteer for the evening intake or morning departure shifts, and the Road to Home capital campaign is always looking for donors towards construction costs and operation costs.
TYPICAL ITEMS NEEDED IN THE SHELTER
BATH ITEMS
- Feminine hygiene – pads, tampons
- Shampoo – travel size
- Conditioner – travel size
- Body wash – travel size
- Lotion – travel size
- Deodorant – travel size
- Q-tips
- Safety razors – twin blade disposable
- Shaving cream (not gel)
- Toothbrush – individually wrapped
- Toothpaste – travel size
- Adult diapers
PERSONAL ITEMS
- Comb – individually wrapped
- Nail clippers
- Emergency sleeping bags
- Sunscreen lotion – travel size
- Tissue packets
- Rain ponchos – disposable
- Laundry detergent – Single sheet in zip-lock-style bag
CLOTHING
Note that the shelter does not run a clothing bank. The below items must be new.
- Leggings
- Sweatpants
- Hoodies – lightweight
- Quarter ankle socks (black) – Men’s and women’s sizes
- Crew socks (black) – Men’s and women’s sizes
- Compression socks (black) – Men’s and women’s sizes
- Shower flip-flops – large
- T-shirts – Lightweight, white
- Men’s underwear
- Women’s underwear
GIFT CARDS
- Bus Passes – 10 ride (currently $13.50)
- Laundromat Cards – Festival laundromat, $5 increments
COLD WEATHER
- Hand Warmers
- Thermal underwear – Men’s and Women’s sizes
- Winter gloves
- Winter hats