Donors

Make a Donation

Donate Online

Please consider making a monetary donation to North Kent Connect using your checking or savings account via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), or with a debit or credit card using our secure online web form.

Donate via EFT
Donate via Debit/Credit

For questions about making a donation, please contact Scott Christie, Director of Donor Engagement, with any questions. He can be reached at scott.christie@nkconnect.org or 616-866-3478, ext. 356.
Donation Guide

ITEMS MOST NEEDED

So many of our families spend more than half of their paycheck to cover rent or mortgage. At North Kent Connect, we believe strongly in the power of choice. When someone is struggling to make ends meet, it is empowering to have options. Families can choose from a variety of meats, cheese, fruits, vegetables, grains, and more to meet their preferences.

  • Canned fruit (low sugar)
  • Canned chicken & tuna
  • Canned pasta sauce (no glass)
  • Canned soup (low sodium)
  • Canned veggies (low sodium)
  • Cereal (low sugar)
  • Laundry soap
  • Body wash
  • Dentures care items
  • Diapers sizes 5 & 6
  • Laundry Soap
  • Shampoo/Conditioner
  • Shaving products for men and women
  • Toothpaste

Donation Hours

Clothing/Houseware Donations* (south side of building). Please bag or box items. Thank you!

Monday – Thursday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Saturday
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Please, no large donations an hour before closing. Thank you.

Food Donations (north side of building):

Monday – Thursday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Save Your Receipts

If you shop at Family Fare and D&W Fresh Market, save your receipt and bring it to North Kent Connect (must be the full receipt). When we reach $150,000, we get $1,000 from SpartanNash through the “Direct Your Dollars” program.

No matter what your budget or schedule holds, there is always a way you can make a difference. Not all donations are monetary. Through volunteering, fundraising, and coordinating food and clothing drives for North Kent Connect, you can find the opportunity that works best for you. For more information, contact Scott Christie at (616) 866-3478, ext. 356, or scott.christie@nkconnect.org.

Host a Drive

If you, your business or organization wishes to support us by hosting a drive, we will gladly provide you with tips, best practices and marketing support.

Types of Drives

Food Drives

We’re frequently asked what items are most needed in our pantry (all pantry and food items are free to NKC clients):

  • Canned Fruit (low sugar)
  • Cereal (low sugar)
  • Canned Soup (low sodium)
  • Canned Veggies (low sodium)
  • Toothpaste (full-size tubes)
  • Laundry Detergent

North Kent Connect has a Healthy Food Policy. We made this institutional change for our families because we care about their well-being. We heard from clients that they appreciated pantries with fresh food, lean proteins, and dairy. Help us keep the Pantry stocked with fresh, nutritious food. Read our Healthy Food Policy and our Donation Guide to learn more.

Personal-Care Items Drive

Enlist the help of your church, neighborhood or civic group and collect the items most needed by our Pantry.

Personal care items most needed are: feminine hygiene products, laundry soap, and toilet paper.

Clothing Drive

Donate your gently used clothing or household items to the North Kent Connect Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is your biggest need?
    Our biggest need depends on the season. Please contact our front desk at (616) 866-3478 for more information.
  2. Can you pick up donations?
    If you are a business, church, or organization hosting a drive for us, we can pick up your donations. Please give us at least a week’s notice to arrange for transportation.
  3. I’m hosting a drive. How can I spread the word?
    We would be happy to discuss how you can promote your food or clothing drive. Please contact us through our online form.

Financials

North Kent Connect, a 501(c)3 organization, is audited yearly by the accounting firm Goodlander, Swett and Rybicki. A snapshot of our financial information is available below:

If you would like more detailed information, please contact Claire Guisfredi, our Executive Director. She is a longtime member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Membership requires signing the Code of Ethical Principals and Standards. Claire and the board of directors operate from the highest standards. They believe in financial transparency, carefully controlled spending, procedures in place to prevent abuse, accuracy of solicitation materials, and assurance that contributions are used according to the donors’ intentions.

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To have your name and contact information removed from our mailing list, please call us at (616) 866-3478 ext. 356, or email scott.christie@nkconnect.org.