The Branches Outreach

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you don’t see an answer to your questions, you can reach us through our contact form.

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

Financial Donations: 

Can be made online here or mailed to 201 Hirst Ave., Rio Grande NJ, 08242.

Food Donations: 

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.  Please be sure the food is not expired.

Click here to find the most needed items for this week.

Here you will find the online donation portal. All financial donations are tax-deductible.

Accepted Personal Care & Clothing donations 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

Donations are accepted at the side door of our building near the parking lot.

DO NOT LEAVE DONATIONS OUTSIDE OF THE BUILDING!

Food donations can be donated to The Branches Outreach Food Pantry, located at 3401 Rt. 47, Unit AJ, Rio Grande, NJ – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 9 am and 12 pm. Please be sure the food is not expired.

Yes! Donations are tax-deductible and can be made online via Pay Pal or via check made out and mailed to The Branches Outreach, 201 Hirst Avenue, Rio Grande, NJ 0824

The Branches Outreach does not provide housing vouchers though clients can meet with a trained advocate to discuss housing services in the area between 8:30 and 1 pm, M – F. Those in need of housing can also contact Cape May Social Services here:

Social Services | Cape May County, NJ – Official Website 

3801 Route 9 S, Unit 4, Rio Grande, NJ 08242

Phone: 609-886-6200 | Email: social.services@co.cape-may.nj.us

The Branches Outreach is not a designated overnight warming center though we extend our service hours during Code Blue and provide updates on our website.

Yes! We offer free showers, clothing, and other services Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm at The Branches Outreach Center located at 201 Hirst Avenue, Rio Grande, NJ.

The Branches Outreach is always looking for caring volunteers to help in the center and food pantry.  You can fill out a volunteer form here.

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.

Donation Information

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.