Your donations are essential

In fact, much of our food and 100% of our clothing is donated by community members just like you!

Did you know?

We can’t operate without generous in-kind donations. But before you head to the grocery store, it’s important to understand the purchasing power of a food pantry like Johnston Partnership. We order food at steep discounts through partners such as Food Bank of Iowa, DMARC, local retailers, and wholesalers.

Food donation

Equivalent cash donation

We appreciate receiving your donated items. But, if you want to save a trip to the store, just remember that your cash donation goes even further to serve our clients!

Most Needed Items

Updated March 6, 2025

Winter coats and boots

Baby food and formula

Baby and children’s clothing

Vegetable oil

Dry black beans

Fruit cups

Laundry detergent

Toilet paper

Bar soap

Deodorant

Pet food

How to donate

You may drop off your donations at Johnston Partnership during our normal business hours.

  • Tuesdays: 9 am-1 pm and 4 pm-6 pm

  • Thursdays: 9 am-1 pm

  • Saturdays: 9 am-1 pm

For large donations equivalent to a pallet or more (such as after a food drive), you may also contact our Pantry Manager to set up an appointment to drop off your items.

Prefer to shop from the comfort of your home? Order items off our Amazon Wish List and have your donation shipped directly to us!

Check before you donate

Before you head our way, please check our list below of items we do and do not accept.

  • Food

    • Fresh produce (purchased/garden grown)

    • Nonperishable food

    • School snack items, including granola bars, fruit cups, macaroni and cheese, and single serve chocolate milk

    Personal hygiene

    • Bar soap and body wash

    • Shampoo and conditioner

    • Toothpaste and toothbrushes

    • Deodorant

    • Lotion

    • Razors and shaving cream

    • Feminine hygiene products

    Household

    • Laundry detergent

    • Household and cleaning products

    • Dish soap

    • Hand soap

    • Paper towels

    • Facial tissues

    • Toilet paper

    Clothing

    Any size clothing (babies, children, and adults):

    • Winter coats and boots (all year)

    • Spring/summer items (March to August)

    • Fall/winter items (September to February)

    • New socks and underwear

    Babies, Kids, and Pets

    • Formula

    • Baby food

    • Diapers (open packs okay)

    • Wipes

    • New backpacks

    • New school supplies

    • Pet food

  • Food

    • Expired food

    • Open or partially used food packages

    • Food prepared in a personal kitchen

    Personal Hygiene

    • Partially used items

    • Medications

    Household

    • Furniture

    • Bedding or blankets

    • Household items

    • Holiday decorations

    • Books

    • Used school supplies

    Clothing

    • Stained or dirty items

    • Clothing with rips, broken zippers, missing buttons, etc.

    • Used socks or underwear

    • Clothing hangers

    Babies, Kids, and Pets

    • Expired formula or baby food