The Branches Outreach

Donations

The Branches Outreach relies on financial, food and clothing donations, as well as the time of our dedicated volunteers.

Financial Contributions

There are many ways to make a financial contribution. Click here to see donation options.

Volunteering

The Branches Outreach is always looking for caring volunteers to help in the center and food pantry.

Types of Volunteering Opportunities:

  • Food Pantry – Offering healthy food choices through collaborations with local markets, restaurants, and farms, as well as personal necessities, open 3 days a week.
  • Warm Meals – Both warm breakfasts and lunches are served on weekdays as well as breakfast on Saturdays. This service is especially critical for those who have no access to kitchens.
  • Mobile Grocery Delivery Program – Delivering food and personal care items to local recovery houses and area families housed in local motels but without transportation.
  • Code Blue – The center hours are extended during Code Blue when the temperature is 32 or lower. Beverages and snacks are served, providing clients with a warm place to wait before being transported to local warming centers for the night, and again in the morning after release from warming centers.
  • Advocate Services – trained, volunteer advocates provide services to help clients navigate social service agencies for housing, substance abuse, mental health, and legal issues
  • Clothing Donation and Distribution – a separate donation drop off and distribution area is in the rear of the center. Throughout the day, donations are dropped off and guests request clothing.
  • Showers/Laundry – guests can take two showers a day, they are escorted to the showers and provided with clean towels and personal care items. The towels are then laundered.
  • Managing Food Donations – prepared food and groceries are delivered to the center and pantry constantly during our hours of operation. Volunteers date the food, properly store it, and complete donation forms.

Food Donations

Most Needed Items – Last Updated: June 2nd

  • sugar, artificial sweeteners, coffee, tea
  • pasta sauce
  • peanut butter
  • paper towels
  • salad dressings
  • sunscreen

Groceries for the food pantry can be dropped off at 3401 Rt. 47, Unit AJ between 9 am and 12 pm, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Personal Care & Clothing

Accepted donations (personal care items, clothing, shoes) can be donated Monday – Friday, between 8:30 am and 1:30 pm at The Branches Outreach Center located at 201 Hirst Avenue, Rio Grande, NJ 0824

Due to limited storage, please see the list below for the clothing items we accept.

List of Accepted Donations:

Clean, warm clothing for adults. All sizes.

  • Jeans
  • Sweatpants
  • T-shirts
  • Flannel Shirts
  • Socks
  • Thermal Wear
  • Shoes
  • Coats & Warm Jackets

Personal Care Donations

  • Unopened toiletries: Shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, face wash, sunblock, hairbrushes, combs
  • New or gently used blankets & sheets
  • New bath towels

Items we DO NOT accept:

  • Dress clothes: Slacks, dresses, button-downs, blouses, blazers, golf shirts, etc
  • Children’s clothing or shoes
  • Household items

These items can be donated to the This & That Thrift Store nearby – located at 1304 NJ-47, Rio Grande, NJ 08242 in the Village Shoppes Center

Please do not donate dirty clothing, expired items, or opened personal care items.

When you make donations like food or clothing to The Branches Outreach you will be asked to fill out a brief donation slip. This information helps us in many ways to better serve our guests.