Cash Donations
While we welcome all donations, we have limited storage space and transportation capabilities. Cash donations allow us to allocate resources where they are needed most. Below are a few examples of how we can put cash donations to work for refugees.

• Pay an extra heating or electric bill

• Supplement an extra month's rent

• Assist with childcare costs for working families

• Buy needed infant or children's supplies

• Purchase appropriate work attire or tools

• Help in emergencies, like illness, job loss, or accidents

Refugee Wish List
The IRC ensures that refugees have the basic necessities - beds, linens, a kitchen table, kitchenware, hygiene products - but we rely solely on donations to go beyond the basics to help new refugee families create their new homes in Baltimore.

Consider enlisting your friends, relatives and colleagues on a joint fundraising project to support refugee families in their critical first months in the United States. Below is a detailed refugee wish list of ideas to help Baltimore refugees rebuild their lives. We organize pick-up drives once or twice a month depending on the amount of donations and schedule and availability of donors.

All donations are tax deductible; tax receipts are provided upon request. For more information about making a contribution to IRC Baltimore, contact Ann Flagg at annf@theIRC.org or (410)-558-3177.

Gift Certificates:
K-Mart, Wal-Mart, grocery stores, shoe stores, book stores, entertainment and electronic stores, etc.

Seasonal Attire: blankets, jackets, umbrellas, hats, winter coats, gloves, scarves.

Basic Needs Items: bus passes, phone cards, English dictionaries, kitchenware.

Furniture: gently used sofas, chairs, dressers, coffee tables, bookshelves, desks.

Appliances: televisions, microwaves, radios, lamps, irons, clocks, phones, computers.

"Welcome to Baltimore" - First Month Survival Kits for Refugee Families
Please consider helping a refugee family by providing them with a "Welcome to Baltimore Kit." You'll enjoy the opportunity to tangibly express your concern and support to a refugee family in their first few weeks in America.

The following are ten basic survival kits. You may choose one or more, whichever fits your budget and interest.

1. Toiletry Kit: Deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, lotion, fingernail clippers, shampoo, conditioner, nail file, razor, shaving cream.

2. Sewing Kit: Scissors, needles, thread, buttons, thimble, measuring tape, pins, pin cushion.

3. School Supply Kit: Spiral notebooks, loose-leaf paper, glue sticks, crayons, markers, safety scissors, pencils, folders, dictionary, US and MD maps.

4. Tool Kit: Hammer, nails, screws, pliers, screwdrivers, wrench, flashlight, batteries.

5. Toy Kit: Puzzles, board games, jump rope, playing cards, Nerf ball, coloring books, stuffed animals, dolls.

6. Stationary Kit: Book of stamps, envelopes, stationary, pen & paper, postcards of Baltimore/Maryland.

7. Kitchen Kit: Dishcloths, potholders, sponges, dish soap, knives, flatware, mugs/glasses, basic cooking utensils (spatula, wire whisk, serving spoons, measuring cups/spoons).

8. Bathroom Kit: Hand soap, sponges, cleaning supplies, toilet brush, waste basket, washcloths, hand towels, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo & conditioner, lotion.

9. First-Aid Kit: Bandages, towelettes, antiseptic ointment, tweezers, athletic tape, sterile gauze (No ingestible items please).

10. Baby Kit: Diapers, wet-wipes, bibs, baby powder, rattles, pacifiers, baby blankets, baby spoons/dishes.

The following list includes household and furniture items that are always needed to establish a home for each of our refugee families. IRC can organize a furniture pickup for large furniture items. We also organize monthly bazaars. On this day, newly arrived refugees can choose donated clothing and household items for their families at no cost.

• Kitchen tables & chairs

• Sofas & armchairs

• Coffee tables & end tables

• Dressers, bookshelves

• Televisions, radios, lamps, clocks, irons

• Bikes, automobiles

• Blankets, sheets, towels, comforters

• Pots & pans, mixing bowls

• Glasses, dishes, flatware

• Cooking utensils, knives, can openers