Current Needs

It is a turbulent, scary time for our clients and simply having all of their basic needs met upon arriving at Cornerstone offers comfort and shows we care. The following items are in short supply right now. Please check the list often. We can accept donations of new, unopened and unused items only. Thank you!

If you have used clothing to donate, please contact Bloomington Covenant Church regarding their Closet of Hope Program at 952.831.8339. 

Current Needs: All items must be new, unopened and unused. See our Amazon Wish List for additional needs. Updated 2/13/2020

• Tempera paint for art projects with the kids
• Women’s underwear (sizes 7-11 / medium-XXL)
• Socks (size 6-10)
• Pull-Ups (3T, 4T and 5T)
• The following items are helpful for advocates to give out during meetings with trafficked youth:
  • $10-15 fast food gift cards
  • Preloaded $20 Metro Transit Go-To cards (available at Cub Foods and online) with no expiration date
  • S.W.A.N. (Stuff We All Need) bags: Water-resistant purse or tote filled with full-sized toiletries and other items. See the PDF flier for specific needs. 
• Wall charger (like this one) for therapy and support group rooms
• Gratitude journals (like this one) for therapy participants 
• Markers and colored pencils
• Wrapping paper and tissue paper for kids’ gifts
• Full-size sheets
• Full-size bath towels
• Paper towels
• Dish soap
• Herbal tea (in tea bags)
• Disinfectant wipes
• Kleenex
• Liquid hand soap in individual dispensers
• Changing table paper
• Baby wipes (scent-free or sensitive)
• Plastic or paper 2-pocket folders in multiple colors
• Shelter Needs: See a complete list of shelter’s specific needs here.
  • Resealable freezer bags
  • Regular coffee (ground)
  • Personal care items: Deodorant, full-size body wash, full-size body lotion, combs and picks
  • Cleaning supplies for shelter: 13-gallon kitchen trash bags, scrub sponges, Simple Green all-purpose cleaner 
  • Liquid laundry detergent
  • Tennis shoes (all sizes – boys, girls, men, women)
  • Sippy cups
• Move-in Kit for Transitional Housing participants: A bucket filled with dish soap, floor cleaner, sponge mop, glass cleaner, wipes and dust spray, tub and tile cleaner, hand soap, toilet bowl cleaner, a roll of paper towels and a broom with dustpan (or any combination of these items). Items may be purchased here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/13FHHMSWRV6DF

Volunteer Opportunities for Individuals: All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. A completed volunteer application, interview and background check is required prior to volunteering with Cornerstone. Contact Crystalk@cornerstonemn.org for details. Updated 2/13/2020

• Childcare: Tuesday evenings 6:30 – 8 pm and occasionally on Thursday evenings
• Administrative Projects: Assist departments with miscellaneous administrative tasks as needed
• Sanitizing: Clean and sanitize our lounge areas and playrooms to help eliminate the spread of germs
• Facility Projects: Help with miscellaneous maintenance projects around Cornerstone
• Bloomington Target Donation Pick-up (1-2x a month): Pick up items being donated to Cornerstone from the Bloomington Target 
• Cornerstone’s Men’s Council: Cornerstone’s Men’s Council is looking to enlist men in taking action to end gender-based violence by creating opportunities for engagement, education and community outreach. The Council will meet regularly to create a forum for men to actively  support Cornerstone’s mission and find new ways to involve greater numbers of men in prevention and awareness efforts. Men from Hennepin County, as well as the greater Twin Cities metro area are encouraged to apply to become a member of the Council. We are looking for a caring and diverse group of men who are ready to utilize their unique skills, talents and influence to lead the way to social change. For more information, contact Tyler Osterhaus at Tylero@cornerstonemn.org or 952-884-0376 x522. Click here to download the application (PDF). See the Men’s Council flier (PDF).

Volunteer Opportunities for Groups: All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. A completed volunteer application, interview and background check is required prior to volunteering with Cornerstone. Contact Crystalk@cornerstonemn.org for details. Updated 2/13/2020

• Make-A-Meal: Provide everything for a meal for approximately 50-60 people and prepare it onsite or have it catered in. Available dates in 2020: June 30, July 7, August 18, September 1 and 15, October 6 and 13, November 17, December 1, 22 and 29.
• Sanitizing: Clean and sanitize our lounge areas and playrooms to help eliminate the spread of germs
• Facility Projects: Help with miscellaneous maintenance projects around Cornerstone
• Host a Donation Drive: Cold Season Care (kleenex, herbal tea, liquid hand soap, disinfectant wipes), Out and About ($25 bus cards, gas gift cards and gift cards to restaurants/fast food in Bloomington area), S.W.A.N – Stuff We All Need Bags (see PDF flier for more information), Cooking up a Storm (kitchen items), Baby Shower, Splish Splash (towels and bath items), Clean Sweep (cleaning supplies), Good Night Sleep Tight (linens, pajamas, slippers)

Items Needed Year Round

• Gift certificates for gas, car repair, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, grocery stores and other retail stores to meet specific needs of our clients.
• Used, broken, or unwanted gold and silver jewelry

Donation Drives

Are you looking for an opportunity to gather coworkers, friends, family, neighbors, a scout troop or members of a religious organization together for a good cause? Consider hosting a donation drive of new, unused items. The following are ideas for themed items our shelter and community program need year-round. We are happy to provide fliers or additional information about Cornerstone to make your donation drive a success. Please note: We are unable to accept toiletry-size or hotel-size personal care items unless indicated below.

S.W.A.N. (Stuff We All Need) Bags: Water-resistant purse or tote filled with full-sized toiletries and other items. See the PDF flier for specific needs. 

Out and About: $20 Metro Transit Go-To gift cards, $25 gift cards for gas and $10-20 gift cards to fast food in the Bloomington area

Good Night, Sleep Tight: New sheets, bath towels, washcloths, pillows and pillow cases, pajamas in all sizes for women and children, robes and slippers, alarm clocks, etc.

Baby Shower: Diapers, baby wipes, bottles, baby food, onesies, new socks, shoes, teethers, baby monitors, baby wash, shampoo, lotion, etc.

Breakfast Bundles: Non-perishable food items, individually packaged cereal cups, granola bars, fruit snacks, fruit cups, etc.

Winter Warmth: Waterproof mittens, warm hats, scarfs, boots and waterproof coats in all sizes for women, teens, and children.

Cold Season Care: Kleenex, herbal tea, liquid hand soap, disinfectant wipes and CleanSmart toy disinfectant.

Daily Living: Full-sized personal care items and household supplies, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, hair brushes, picks, toilet paper, laundry soap, dish soap, chapstick, etc.

Summer Sunshine: Swimming suits in all sizes for women, teens and children, flip flops, beach towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.