The IRC in Salt Lake City is committed to supporting newly arrived refugees on their journey from harm to home. As part of that commitment, we provide refugees with the basics they will need to start rebuilding their lives here in the U.S. Join our efforts by gathering much-needed in-kind donations to assist newly arrived refugee families and individuals as they work to regain control of their future and positively integrate into our community. 

In-Kind Donations

The IRC donations team accepts a short list of essential items dropped off to the IRC office by appointment. We prefer to accept NEW items that are in original, unopened packaging, but may be able to accept certain used items in like-new condition.

To schedule a donation drop off, please first email our Development Coordinator, Muhanned Zwain, at [email protected] with a detailed list of the items you have for donation.

  1. We will follow up to confirm that we can receive the items and provide a link to our Donation Drop Off Signup.
  2. Once you have signed up for a time, we will provide more detailed instructions for dropoff. 
  3. We will be available to receive these in-kind donations one day a week, every Wednesday afternoon for donation drop off outside our office located at 221 South 400 West, by appointment only.
  4. Please email us at [email protected] if you need to request a different time. Due to a large volume of donations, we only have a limited number of drop off appointments each week. Donations will continue to be needed in the coming months, however, we are temporarily adjusting our process so that our storage and staff capacity can meet current demand. 

DIY Donation Drive Opportunities:

Donation Drives are a great way to involve your workplace, civic or church group in a volunteer activity. Donations might include hygiene kits, school kits, work bags, etc. Contact our development coordinator at [email protected] to discuss donation drive ideas based on current needs.

Ongoing needs include:

Seasonal In-Kind Donation Opportunities:

Throughout the year, the IRC in Salt Lake City reaches out to the community to provide specific items for donation drives and other needs, including our Warm Welcome Winter Clothing Drive in October and our Light One Candle donation drive in December.

In addition to in-kind donations, monetary donations contribute greatly to the success of the IRC's work. Make your donation using the link below to ensure 100% of your contribution supports our work right here in Salt Lake City. Every bit of support helps!

Make your online contribution today! Other monetary donations can be sent to our office in Salt Lake City:

International Rescue Committee
Attn: Jesse Sheets
221 South 400 West
PO Box 3988
Salt Lake City, UT  84110

Donation FAQs

Does the IRC accept furniture donations?

We do! Please reach out if you have questions about any specific furniture items. Contact Estefany Castillo, housing & logistics coordinator, at  at [email protected] to determine if we can accept your lightly used furniture. Items needed at the moment:

How do I schedule a donation pick up?

Before scheduling a donation pickup, please take a moment to review the rest of our Donations FAQs, then: 

  1. Kindly review our donation pickup range to see if we can schedule a pickup in your area. We can pick up furniture every first and last Friday of the month.
  2. Contact our housing & logistics coordinator, Estefany Castillo, by email at [email protected] to discuss current furniture needs and the possibility of scheduling a donation pickup.
  3. Once items are picked up, our development specialist can offer you a tax-deductible donation receipt for your in-kind donation.

Does quality matter for furniture donations?

Yes! Refugees should begin their new life with dignity, therefore, we have high expectations for furniture donations. Upholstered furniture should be in good condition without any tears, rips, scratches or stains. If pets are allowed on upholstered furniture, the items should be well-vacuumed and cleaned before scheduling a donation pickup. All furniture should be structurally sound without any need for repairs.

Are there any items the IRC isn't able to accept?

Yes! We cannot accept the following items:

We can only accept the following items new:

We cannot accept computers over 4 years old. Additionally, we cannot accept TVs over 10 years old.

Do you accept clothing donations?

We are able to accept winter coats, boots and outerwear donations during our annual Winter Clothing Drive.

Unfortunately, we are not able to accept everyday clothing items. Clothing donations require additional staffing, storage spaces and distribution centers that are not currently feasible. The IRC in Salt Lake City is not able to wash clothing items and does not have storage spaces that would allow for proper sorting and quick distribution.

However, we do have strong partnerships with local organizations like Deseret Industries who provide donated vouchers ensuring the families we serve have access to free clothing items. Oftentimes donations to these other local organizations come full circle to benefit our newest neighbors.

From time to time, we may be able to accept small quantities of brand new clothing items, like baby items or shoes. Please email us at [email protected] and we will review on a case-by-case basis. Again, we are not able to accept gently used everyday clothing items at any time.

Will all items be accepted during a donation pickup appointment?

If our housing & logistics coordinator deems any items ineligible during a donation pickup, they will not be able to accept them for donation.

Questions? Contact our development coordinator by email at [email protected] or by phone at 801.883.8456.