In-kind donations are always welcome and greatly appreciated. Goods donated by individuals, congregations, community groups and businesses can be given directly to Keystone Community Services. The list below includes items frequently needed, but is not a complete listing of the items we will accept. Contact us if you have a special item in mind to donate.
Food & Goods
Donating in-kind gifts support Keystone's mission. We welcome donations of food, personal care items, used bikes and so much more.
Support Keystone with In-kind Donations
Current needs During the covid crisis
Donate Food – donations of food help keep our food shelves stocked. Our most needed items at the food shelf are:
- Peanut butter
- Canned tuna or canned meats
- Soups or stews
- Boxed dinners
- Cereal
- Snacks
Donate Personal Care Items – donations of personal care items are vitally important to the health and safety of our participants. Our most needed personal care items are: help keep our food shelves stocked
- Toilet paper
- Bar soap
- Hand sanitizer
We are encouraging donations be delivered to our Merriam Park Community Center — there are barrels outside for drop off. This encourages greater social distancing practices. If you have a larger donation and want to coordinate dropping off at the food shelf directly, please contact us so we can schedule your drop off off. Click below for our locations and hours.
Host a Donation Drive
Businesses, faith communities, schools and organizations enjoy showing their commitment to Keystone by hosting donation drives to benefit our programs. For tips on how your organization can host a food, personal care or used bike collection drive, check out our volunteer page. All donations can be dropped off at Keystone.
Keystone’s Programs are Essential:
As you know, the Governor Walz issued an Executive Order directing Minnesotans to “Stay At Home” through April 10th. Keystone is an “essential” business and is part of the Twin Cities’ critical sector response to COVID-19. With this information, we will continue to operate our food shelf, crisis services, meals on wheels and case management programs that support our most vulnerable residents in St. Paul. The executive order also defines “workers” and “personnel” as employees, contractors, vendors and volunteers. This clearly allows our dedicated and wonderful volunteers to continue serving at Keystone during this time. We will have more limited staff in our buildings but remain committed to offering vital support to those who need it.
Programs that are available to the community:
- Meals on Wheels deliveries are continuing and staff are modifying operations to ensure safety of the staff, participants and volunteers.
- Food shelf operations, including Foodmobile distributions, have been modified to ensure the safety of staff, participants and volunteers but are open Monday – Friday to provide vital food support to people in the community.
- Express Bike Shop is open for service repair only. In accordance with the Minnesota stay at home guidelines, bicycle repair shops have been identified as an essential service. To limit person to person contact we ask that you call ahead 651-644-9660 to schedule a bike service repair appointment. Full information is available at exbike.com.
Our youth afterschool programs and active senior programs are canceled as well as any large gatherings in our community centers. AARP Tax Assistance is also canceled until further notice.
We are actively monitoring the situation and will implement any additional strategies when necessary. Stay tuned for updates as things are rapidly changing.
How you can help:
You might be wondering how you can help neighbors during this uncertain time. Here are the top ways you can support your community today:
Give
Your cash contributions give the greatest flexibility to responding the your neighbors’ needs. Support your neighbors today.
Contribute
Give food and household items to keep our food shelves stocked. Click here to see our most needed items and where you can drop off your contributions.
Volunteer
Your time supporting vulnerable people in our community is needed more than ever. Sign up today.
We are so grateful for your care and support!
Health and Safety Precautions during this time
As you know, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation is rapidly evolving. We are relying on facts to inform thoughtful decision-making in an ever-evolving situation. Keystone is committed to providing services in safe, healthy environments for all of our participants, volunteers, and staff. During this time of heightened awareness, we are maintaining our thorough cleaning and food safety standards and expanding them as necessary.