Giving

A little help can make a big difference.

Support for Our Ministry

Financial Support for Our Ministry

Your donation to the Samaritan Center ensures that 100% of each contribution directly supports our Social Services department. These funds provide essential programs such as rent assistance, emergency food, monthly food boxes, school supplies, baby layettes, and disaster relief.

We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our donors, whose contributions bring help and hope to our community.

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Donate Items for Our Thrift Store

Almost anything can help! Both new and used items can make a difference in our community.

We have three thrift areas to keep stocked (Thrift, Clearance, & Toys), which means that the Samaritan Center always needs gently used items. Whether it’s an old couch, a pair of blue jeans, or even an old vehicle, we can turn it into cash that will help others. 

However, there are a few items we can’t take, please visit the Donation FAQs for items that are not accepted.

The thrift store also offers free furniture pickup if you need someone to pick up larger items, such as appliances or furniture, call 423-238-7777  ext. 38 or e-mail to info@thesamaritancenter.net.

The Samaritan Center recycles some materials for cash. If you have questions about specific items, please contact us.

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Food Pantry Donations

The Samaritan Center food pantry is the second largest in Hamilton County. Every year, the Samaritan Center distributes over 45,000 pieces of food to our neighbors in need, totaling approximately $100,000 in aid. We can only do this because of the kindness of our friends in this community. Thank you so much for helping us feed our community.

Although we accept any non-perishable food donations, the following items are some of our most needed Food Pantry items: 

  • Soup
  • Canned vegetables
  • Cooking oils
  • Peanut butter
  • Canned meat (especially beef)
  • Baked beans
  • Beanie weanies
  • Mayonnaise
  • Mustard
  • Jelly (regular and sugar free)
  • Salad dressing
  • Rice dinners
  • Pasta dinners
  • Taco kits
  • Mac & cheese
  • Ramen
  • Juice
  • Grits and oatmeal
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Low sodium items
  • Low sugar items

Gifts for Jesus 

Gifts for Jesus (GFJ) is an internal store where our case managers pull supplies for clients in need. It also helps with community needs when there is a surplus of specific items, which we share with other agencies that may have a deficiency. Essentially, it is the non-food equivalent of the food pantry.
 
Various programs are part of this GFJ area, such as baby layettes, teen hygiene kits, and comfort kits for the homeless and those affected by disasters. Our monthly food box clients receive cleaning, household, and personal hygiene supplies to supplement their budget.
 
Your financial or in-kind donations go a long way in helping us continue this ministry. Thank you so much for what you do! 

Donate to the School Supply Assistance Program, Stock Their Lockers (STL)

Did you know the average cost parents spent on school supplies in grades K-12 is inching close to $800!

Families in our service who are struggling with rent and basic household needs; this is a lot of money and means that many children will start school without basic school supplies.

Every year, the Samaritan Center works with parents, local schools, and community partners to support our Stock Their Lockers program in various ways. In the summer, we collect school supplies and welcome barrels hosts. As a host, you play a role in helping a student start their year off on the right foot. 

If you are interested in being a host this year, give us a call (423) 238-7777 ext. 22 or email info@thesamaritancenter.net. You may also contribute financially or drop off in-kind donations to the front office.

A list of some of the most needed items: 

  • Colored pencils
  • Expo Dry erase markers
  • 24 count crayons
  • Cap eraser, big pink pearl eraser
  • Covered pencil sharpener
  • Fat pencils with sharpener (for kindergarten)
  • Jumbo crayons
  • Mechanical pencils with lead
  • No.2 pencils
  • Sharpie markers
  • Washable markers
  • Yellow highlighters
  • Scissors (safety and pointed)
  • 3 and 5-subject notebooks (spiral composition books)
  • Binders (3-ring, two pocket binders, 1”-1.5″, and 2 inch”, assorted colors or characters)
  • Construction paper
  • Graph paper
  • Index cards (ruled and non-ruled) 3×5 and 4×6
  • Indexed tab dividers (5 count or 8 count)
  • Kindergarten paper writing pads
  • Loose leaf/ filler paper (wide rule/college rule)
  • Plastic pocket folders with prongs (primary colors: red, blue, green, orange, yellow, purple)
  • Post-it notes
  • Primary writing journals and tablets
  • Band-Aids
  • Hand sanitizer (full size)
  • Lysol or Clorox wipes
  • Paper towels
  • Ziploc baggies, (snack, sandwich, gallon and quart size)
  • Backpacks (all sizes kindergarten through high school)
  • Lunch bags/boxes (characters are ok)
  • Zippered pencil pouches (the kind you can put in a binder)
  • Flash drives, at least 1 GB
  • Pocket dictionary/thesaurus
  • Plastic pencil boxes 

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering at the Samaritan Center is a rewarding way to give back to the local community, support those in need, and make a meaningful impact. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to make a long-term commitment, we are here for you.

Becoming a volunteer is simple. Click the link below and fill out a volunteer application or stop by the Samaritan Center and learn about current opportunities. Whether you are a student, family, individual, court-mandated, special needs, company, group, or organization, we welcome you to our volunteer family.

Your time and compassion can make a difference in the lives of others. Join us in creating a stronger, more supportive community by becoming a volunteer at the Samaritan Center today!

Follow us on Facebook to learn how we are helping our community, plus some of the many volunteer opportunities available: The Samaritan Center Facebook

Donation FAQs

  • Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

  • Friday & Saturday, CLOSED

  • Sunday, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

    • New Year’s Day

    • Easter

    • Mother’s Day
    • Memorial Day

    • Father’s Day

    • Labor Day
    • Thanksgiving Eve
    • Thanksgiving

    • Christmas Eve

    • Christmas Day

    • New Year’s Eve

  •  

Stay updated through our Facebook page or Instagram (@thesamaritancenter) for the latest information.

  • Clothing, linen, and shoes (men, women, and children – all seasons)

  • Household items (décor, pictures, lamps, knick-knacks)

  • Kitchen items (dishes, cookware, flatware, glasses, mugs, etc.)

  • Furniture and large or small appliances (free pickup for large working appliances and furniture)

  • Electronics (DVD/Blu-ray players, lamps, radios, etc.)

  • Outdoor items (patio furniture, flower pots, etc.)

  • Medical equipment (bedside toilets, shower chairs, crutches, wheelchairs, boots, slings, canes, etc.)

  • Toys and baby items (games, bouncer chairs, swings, dolls, dress up clothes, stuffed animals, sports equipment, etc.)

  • Books, videos, CDs, DVDs, etc.

  • Hospital beds
  • Large entertainment centers
  • Hot tubs
  • Tanning beds
  • Water beds
  • Incomplete china cabinets (no top halves only)
  • Aerosols, chemicals, or paint
  • C-PAP machines
  • Unframed mirrors
  • Building material of any kind
  • Automobile parts (tires, batteries, etc.)
  • Guns, ammo, or explosives
  • Toilets
  • Shower doors
  • Children or infant car seats (due to recalls)
  • Cassette or 8-track tapes
  • Televisions of any kind
  • Computers
  • Damaged furniture
  • Items that are heavily stained or damaged
  • Mattresses or box springs of any size/style

  • Sunday, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

  • Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

  • Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

  • Saturday, CLOSED

    • Yes. We offer free pickups for furniture and large appliances.

    • We do not pick up pianos.

Still have a question?

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