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 9/5/2018

• Women’s winter coats size S to XXL (we can only accept new coats)
• After school snacks
  • Granola bars
  • Individual-size bags of chips
  • Water
  • Lemonade packets
• School supplies: (* indicates most needed)
  • Composition notebooks*
  • #2 pencils (presharpened)*
  • Trapper Keepers*
  • Scientific calculators (Texas Instruments TI 30 series or Casio 300 MS)*
  • Black dry erase markers*
  • 2-pocket plastic folders (Solid colors with three holes for binder)*
  • Red pens*
  • Subject dividers (for binder)*
  • Student planner*
  • Post-it notes*
  • Pencil case*
  • Ear buds*
  • Backpacks
  • Combination locks
  • Colored pencils
  • Scissors
  • Black and blue pens
  • Highlighters
  • Markers (thick or thin)
  • Wide and narrow rule notebooks
  • White tag board
  • Kleenex
  • Quart Ziploc bags
  • Gallon Ziploc bags
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Paper towels
• Shelter Needs: See a complete list of shelter’s specific needs here.
  • Adult size bike helmets
  • Twin and queen sized sheet sets
  • Resealable freezer bags
  • Personal care items: Deodorant, full-size body wash, bar soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, full-size body lotion, combs and picks
  • Liquid hand soap in individual dispensers
  • 15-gallon kitchen trash bags
  • Scrub sponges
  • Liquid laundry detergent
  • Tennis shoes (all sizes – boys, girls, men, women)
  • Women’s socks
  • Baby soap
  • Sippy cups
  • Regular coffee (ground)
  • Simple Green (cleaning supply)
• 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 9/5/2018

• CPR/First Aid Trainer: Seeking a CPR/First Aid-trained volunteer to facilitate our CPR/First Aid training three times a year. All equipment is provided.
• Seasonal Yard Work: Help us maintain our gardens and grounds. 
• St. Louis Park Target Donation Pick-up: Thursdays (1-2 times a month)
• Technology Help: Train staff on how to use basic technology at Minneapolis office
• Sanitize: Clean and sanitize our lounge areas and playrooms to help eliminate the spread of germs
• Shelter Maintenance Projects: Fix kitchen cabinet hinges (hinges will be provided by Cornerstone)

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 8/6/2018

• Tuesday Night Kids Activities: Provide activities/art projects and interact with the youth ages toddler to teens during dinner. Tuesday nights, 5:30 – 6:25 pm. Several dates are available.
• Seasonal Yard Work: Help us maintain our gardens and grounds
• Host a Donation Drive for families transitioning out of shelter: Cooking up a Storm (kitchen items), Baby Shower, Splish Splash (bath items), Clean Sweep (cleaning supplies), Good Night Sleep Tight (pillows, bedding, 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.

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.

Daily Living: (Full sized) 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.