Giving

Financial Support for Our Ministry

When you give to the Samaritan Center, 100% of each financial donation is made available to our Social Services department which funds programs that help with rent assistance, emergency food bags, school supplies, financial literacy, and disaster relief programs. 

We are thankful for our financial donors who freely give their resources to provide help and hope to our community. 

Donate Items for Our Thrift Store

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

With three thrift stores to keep stocked (Thrift, Clearance, & Toys), the Samaritan Center is always in need of 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.  There are a few items we can’t take. Please see our list below. If you have any questions about the items you have or if you need someone to pick up larger items, give us a call at 423-238-7777. ext. 21, or send an e-mail to info@thesamaritancenter.net.

The Samaritan Center also recycles some materials for cash. Contact us for questions about specific items. 

Donate Items for Our Community Food Pantry

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: 

Personal Care Items Not Covered by Food Stamps

The Samaritan Center maintains a pantry devoted to personal care items not covered by food stamps. These items are shared with monthly food box clients, and when circumstances dictate, other clients as well. Cash or in-kind donations are accepted year-round to maintain this very important part of our ministry.

Here’s a list of some of the most needed items:

• Cleaning Items: laundry soap, dish soap, bleach, glass cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, multi-purpose cleaner, paper towels.
• Personal Care Items: deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, shaving cream, and sanitary products.
• Men, Women, and Children always need: socks, briefs, men’s and women’s underwear, hats, mittens, gloves, hairbrushes, and combs.
• Babies and Toddlers: Diapers and baby wipes.
• Children: crayons and coloring books, story books, brushes, combs, ribbons and hair clips, school supplies, puzzles, and games.
• Junior High and Teen: school supplies, hair clips… Teens know best what teens need.
• Other Needs: kitchen utensil sets, glassware sets, dishware sets, silverware sets, jigsaw puzzles, facial tissues… Something you would like yourself if you lost everything. 

Donate New School Supplies for Local Students in Need

Every August, over 300 children receive approximately $350 worth of new school supplies, helping area students begin the year right. Although the focus for collecting supplies is in July and August, we accept donations year-round. 
 
Here’s a list of some of the most needed items: 

Support the Local Community Through Volunteering

When you volunteer your time at the Samaritan Center, you volunteer to support your community. 
As a volunteer you know that when you leave the Center, your time has been well-spent; after all, everything you have done will in some way help your neighbors in need. 
We have many volunteer opportunities to meet your interests and skills! We encourage families with children as young as four years old and also people with disabilities to apply. For group opportunities, contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Kimberly Howard, at 423.238.7777 ext. 22. 
 
Top volunteer needs: 

• Donation pickup assistant
• Help clear the donation dock on Saturday night
• Greeters in store lobby
• Barbie doll cleaners/dressers
• Newspaper/bag prepper
• Donation dock assistant
• Fabric cutter/pricer
• Miscellaneous Sorter