Ministry Donations

Although we appreciate Bibles in the English language, Bibles and New Testaments in Spanish, French, and Haitian Creole are our biggest needs. When you donate Bibles, you enable us to put God's Word in the hands of believers near and far.

In Haiti, the greatest request we receive after money is food. Rice and beans are the main staples of the Haitian diet, and are always appreciated. We also accept other non-perishable items such as canned meat, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, cooking oil, and bottled water.

Medical supplies are often in severe shortage in places like Haiti and even Mexico. Over-the-counter medical supplies are a huge blessing. We accept sealed (or gently used in the case of blood pressure machines, slings, medical boots, etc.), unsoiled over-the-counter medical supplies such as:

• OTC medicines and vitamins
• Disinfectants like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, etc.
• Bandages and gauze
• Medical tape
• Petroleum jelly
• Thermometers
• Pulse oximeters
• Blood pressure machines
• Stethoscopes
• Bedpans
• IV bags and lines
• Slings, stints, braces, medical boots, etc.

Good hygiene is extremely important for preventing many common diseases, but unfortunately, many people don't have access to adequate hygiene supplies. If you can help supply those needs, these are some we could use:

• Soap
• Hand sanitizer
• Feminine hygiene products
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
•  Shaving cream and razors
• Bath rags and towels
• Deodorant
• Toilet paper and wet wipes
• Combs and brushes
• Tissues, paper towels, etc.

Items for babies are in short supply in a lot of the areas we work in. We are deeply appreciative of baby supplies such as:

• Baby formula
• Baby food
• Baby clothes
• Diapers
• Baby wipes
• Bottle brushes
• Baby beds
• Teething products
• Baby toys
• Baby soap, lotion, etc.

We accept gently used and new clothes and shoes for both children and adults. Clothes for warmer weather are best, because most of the areas we work with are hot. Of special need are:

• Children's and adult's shoes
• Children's underwear
• Durable children's play clothes
• Children's church clothes
• Durable work clothes
• Adult church clothes

We ask for certain restrictions on clothing donations:

• No English writing on clothing
• No American or other national symbols
• No vulgarity, nudity, witchcraft symbols, pagan symbols, or idolatry of any kind
• No very high heels or spike heels (terrain is often rough in the areas we work in)
• No soiled or damaged clothing
• No torn jeans
• No shorts
• No women's or girl's pants
• No jewelry (watches OK)
• No heavy winter garments (light jackets OK)

Most of the children we work with don't speak English, so we can't use English textbooks. However, there are lots of school supplies that are a big help:

• Pencils 
• Pens
• Erasers
• Notebooks
• Loose leaf paper
• Folders and binders
• Index cards
• Non-English flashcards (e.g. math)
• Glue and tape
• Markers
• Crayons
• Colored pencils
• Sharpeners
• Protractors
• Calculators
• Rulers (with centimeters)
• Chalk and chalk erasers
• Chalkboards 
• Working projectors and transparencies

Toys are often a scarce and precious commodity among the children we work with. We are very grateful for toy donations for children of any age. We do ask for some restrictions on toys, as well:

• No English writing prominently featured
• No American or other national symbols
• No vulgarity, nudity, witchcraft symbols, pagan symbols, or idolatry of any kind
• No toys that promote anything grotesque, inappropriate, or immodest
• No unsafe, broken, or soiled toys

Tools, equipment, and electronics can be great ways to further the Kingdom of God, help churches accomplish their goals, and provide a living for God's people. We ask that donations of tools, equipment, and electronics be in usable condition, have all needed cords, chargers, or adapters, good batteries where needed, and have no safety issues. We especially appreciate:

• Laptops
• Tablets
• Cellphones
• Certified lumber
• Roofing materials
• Tools and hardware
• Power tools
• Generators
• Solar panels
• Working sewing machines (non-electric treadle machines are preferred)
• Good-quality thread, bolts of fabric, buttons, Velcro, and other sewing materials
• Working bicycles
• Working musical instruments
• Vehicles

Our biggest needs in furniture are beds (especially with clean mattresses), desks/chairs, and church pews. Beds can be more than just traditional beds—sleeper sofas, futons, and cots are also appreciated. Desks and chairs for children and young adults can help supply schools and training centers a place to sit and learn. We send pews to churches in other countries where they sometimes have to use chairs or just the floor. 

Many people don’t realize that you can donate investments. If you have investments that you don’t mind unloading, you can donate those instead of cash. If your investment has appreciated in value, you can donate without having to pay capital gains, and you can deduct the entire value of the investment if you itemize. If you lost money though, you might be better off selling first, so that you can get the tax break for your long-term loss, and then donate that money to the charity of your choice (and get a tax advantage for the donation). 

You can also donate other investments and assets. There are donor-advised funds available that can help you be generous while avoiding capital gains taxes. Life insurance policies and real estate are also possibilities. Just make sure you consult with a tax professional before you take the plunge.