The IRC in Tucson is committed to bringing our refugee clients from harm to home. As a part of that commitment, we provide refugees with the basics needed to start rebuilding their lives here in the U.S.
There are many ways to get involved with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Tucson. In addition to monetary donations (always welcome) in-kind donations may be accepted to assist refugee families and individuals.. In-kind donations (new or gently used) to the IRC in Tucson can help ensure that refugees build a firm foundation in the United States. Our Resettlement Store is stocked with donations from community members and is open twice each week for IRC families to “shop” for free. An extensive list of acceptable and most needed items is below.
Questions? Please contact us at [email protected] or 520 319 2128 ext. 124 or check our Donations FAQ below.
Here is what will be needed when we are able to receive in-kind donations:
In addition to in-kind donations, private monetary donations contribute greatly to the success of the IRC's work. The IRC is consistently awarded top marks by charity watchdog groups for our efficient use of donor contribution and the effectiveness of our work. Every bit of support helps!
Make your online contribution today!
Other monetary donations can be sent to our office in Tucson:
International Rescue Committee in Tucson
Attn: Donations
2916 E Broadway Blvd
Tucson, AZ85716
We encourage you to check our Amazon Wish List, from which you may purchase items to donate or use as a sample for purchase elsewhere.
International Rescue Committee
Attn: Donations 520.319.2128 ext. 124
2916 E Broadway Blvd
Tucson, AZ85716
Critical Donation Needs:
- Digital Access items such as Laptops and computers, cell phones, wifi access
- Bicycles and accessories like helmet, pump, patch kit, repair tools, locks
- Home Hygiene supplies such as hand sanitizer, paper towels, single use gloves, disinfecting wipes, spray disinfectant and cleaning cloths, laundry detergent
- Personal Hygiene supplies such as hypo-allergenic soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant
- Work preparedness - see below for backpack items
- School preparedness - see below
Extended List
- Kitchen supplies, such as pots and pans, kitchen tools, and bakeware (gently used & cleaned)
Dishes and glasses
Smartphones, computers and TVs in good condition
Small kitchen appliances
- New/Gently used clothing (all ages) *no wording* New/Gently used shoes (all ages)
New personal hygiene products, diapers, and household cleaners
New/Gently used shower curtains, bathmats and new towels
New/Gently used bedding
New/ Gently used car seats, cribs, and strollers
Backpacks and school supplies
Sewing machines
Bicycles
Toys for children
Gift cards
Pre-paid phone plan cards
If an item(s) that you would like to donate is not listed, please contact us directly at [email protected]
We do NOT Accept:
Used mattresses
Large appliances
Opened toiletries, cosmetics, and household cleaners
Pet supplies
Food
Vehicles
Weapons
Damaged, dirty, or defective items
Clothing with rips, stains, tares, lettering and/or phrases other than a logo.
Clothing that is heavily used
Donation needs for our Nutrition and Food Security/New Roots Garden Program:
- Garden gloves
- Rakes
- Watering cans
- Shovels
- Shade cloths (row covers)
- Compost
- Wheelbarrows
- Plants, shrubs and trees
For more information on Nutrition and Food Security Program needs, please contact Katrina Martinez at [email protected].
Donations FAQ
Are there any items the IRC is NOT able to accept?
Yes. Due to limited space at our office, we are unable to accept furniture donations and clothing. Refugee clients receive basic furniture and household items upon arrival. We kindly refer donations of large furniture to our partner, Deseret Industries. Deseret Industries offers vouchers for IRC clients to shop a full selection of extra furniture and household items at their store. Deseret Industries is located at 605 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705.
Does the IRC accept clothing donations?
Not at this time. Due to limited space, we cannot accept clothing donations. Our partner Deseret Industries is a good alternative for your clothing donations. Deseret Industries is located at 605 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705.
Can the IRC pick up donations?
No. Unfortunately, we do not have pick-up service. Please kindly drop off donations at our office: 2916 E Broadway Blvd Tucson, AZ 85716 between the hours of 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Thank you so much for all your support! For further information, please email us at [email protected] or call 520-319-2128
Can I create a Donation Drive?
Yes! An In-Kind Donation Drive can be so helpful! Some ideas are:
Gift Card Drive:
Gift cards to stores like Walmart, Target, Fry's Grocery, Safeway/Albertsons, Bashas, etc. offer newly arrived refugees the opportunity to choose for themselves the things they need. In addition, gift cards offer refugee families and individuals an important acculturation opportunity as they will need to traverse a new bus route to get to the store and also interact, in English, at the store once they arrive.
Adult Work Bag:
When a newly arrived refugee receives a job, there are basic items that can make the commute to and from work easier. They primarily use the bus system and bicycles to get to work and Tucson's weather is a factor. Backpacks should include:
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Insulated Lunch Bag
- Calendar
- Notebook
- Pens
- Mini First Aid Kit
- Deodorant
- Optional:
- Wristwatch
- $10-15 gift card to Walmart or Target
Personal Hygiene Kits:
Include oral hygiene products, soap, shampoo, body wash and feminine hygiene products. Full-size items are preferred.
Bundles should include:
- Body Wash or soap (sensative skin products)
- Deodorant
- Hair Brush / Comb
- Tooth Brush
- Toothpaste
- Toilet Paper
- Shampoo
- Feminine Hygiene Products
Elementary School Backpacks:
Simple backpack that includes basic school supplies for Elementary School age refugee students. Bundles should include:
- Backpack
- Pack of #2 Pencils
- 2 Pink Erasers
- 1 Box of Crayons
- 2 Highlighters
- 3 Glue Sticks
- Elmer’s Glue
- Child Safety Scissors
- Pencil Box
- Ruler
- Pocket Folder
- 2 Spiral Notebooks
- Pencil Sharpener
- Wide Ruled Filler Paper
- Small Hand Sanitizer
- Kleenex
Middle/High School Backpacks:
Large backpack that includes basic and advanced school supplies for Middle or High School age refugee students.
- Pack of #2 Pencils
- Colored Pencils
- Blue OR Black Pens
- 2 Red Pens
- 3 Glue Sticks
- Scissors
- 2 Highlighters
- Index Cards
- Ruler
- 3-ring Binder
- Folder Dividers
- Copy Paper
- 2 Pocket Folders
- 2 Spiral Notebooks
- Lined Filler Paper
- Graph Filler Paper
- Small Calculator
- Compass
- Protractor
Home Cleaning Supplies:
Include multipurpose cleaners, reusable cleaning cloths, laundry detergent, and dish soap. These items are often expensive and difficult for newly arrived refugees to purchase within their first few months of arrival. Hypo allergenic items are the best.
Socks and Underwear Drive:
Volunteer as a group and collect new socks and underwear for all ages.
Handmade Quilt Donations:
Volunteer as a group and make quilts! Other handmade items, like warm scarves and winter hats, are also needed for newly arrived refugees in the winter.
Thank you for your kindness and your thoughtfulness!
For more information, lease contact our Inventory Coordinator, McKenna Armstrong: [email protected].