Donate Items That Make a Difference
Community Action Center accepts a variety of non-monetary donations that help meet the everyday needs of local families. From food and clothing to diapers, hygiene products, and other essential items, your generosity provides immediate support while helping neighbors move toward greater stability. Before making a non-monetary donation, please review the guidelines, FAQ, and drop-off locations below.
Do you have a time-sensitive commercial donation?
If you have a bulk or freight donation of food, please contact our donation line at 507.664.3512 so we can coordinate your delivery. If you don’t receive an immediate answer, leaving a voicemail will help ensure a timely response.
What are your donation hours?
Drop-off hours vary by location, listed below.
Items should never be left outside the premises, whether during or after normal business hours.
What are your most needed items?
Every donation that meets the above guidelines is welcome and meaningful, but the most impactful items to donate are ones that are difficult or costly for CAC to source in bulk. For ideas and details, please see our list of Most Wanted Items.
Can I donate home- or farm-raised eggs?
Yes, donated eggs from home or farm flocks are welcome, but they must meet fairly rigorous guidelines for safe handling, preparation, packaging, and labeling. If you are interested in donating eggs, please refer to this MDA Fact Sheet for more details.
I want my mattress/bicycle/furniture/appliance to go to someone who needs it; why won't CAC accept these items?
CAC does not have capacity to assess, process, or store these types of items, and we encourage donors to connect with other local Rice County programs and organizations that have more expertise in these categories.
A good rule of thumb is that, if we can’t easily stock your donation alongside other similar items at the Clothes Closet or in our food shelves, it’s probably not the best fit for CAC.
Can I donate shares of stock to CAC?
Yes, CAC accepts donations of stock. We work with a trusted financial institution, Contact Community Resource Bank. Please contact:
Chris Weber, Cetera Investment Services
507.645.1841
moc.siaretec@rebew.sirhc
How do I arrange for my vehicle, estate, or real estate to go to CAC?
These unique and exceptionally generous gifts are handled individually by our Donation Coordinator Heidi Richter, who can be reached at 507-664-3509 or gro.retnecnoitcaytinummoc@idieh.rethcir.
DONATION HOURS: Monday– Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (map here)
1400 Cannon Circle, Suite #8
Faribault, MN 55021
DONATION HOURS: Monday– Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (map here)
1651 Jefferson Parkway, Suite HS-200
Northfield, MN 55057
DONATION HOURS: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
600 Water Street South
Northfield, MN 55057
CAC’s vitality depends on the community — from volunteers to donations to program-specific support — so that we can continue to meet our neighbors’ basic needs.