Monetary donations are used for the ongoing operations at both Care and Share locations, including:
  • Operating costs which include utility expenses
  • Transportation costs to pick up food from the Food Bank
  • Purchase of food for the pantries not available at the Food Bank
  • Building and liability insurance
  • Equipment and supplies for the food pantries and free stores
  • Purchase of certain clothing items in high demand. 
Care and Share House has no costs for administration or employees as the program is run entirely by volunteers. Care and Share has no costs for rent as we own our building at 600 S. Main St. and the location at 1808 5th Ave is provided rent free by the 5th Avenue Community Church. 
Monetary donations go directly to provide services to our clients. 
Requested Donations for NOVEMBER:
Ramen Noodles
Food donations are also very useful to Care and Share House. Basic food items that are helpful include:
  • Soup
  • Tuna
  • Canned Vegetables
  • Canned Fruit
  • Pasta
  • Rice
  • Cereal
  • Macaroni & Cheese Boxes
  • Canned Dinners (example: Spaghettios)
  • Ramen Noodles
  • Hunt's Spaghetti Sauce (preferred because it is not in a glass jar)
  • Crackers
  • Cookies
Care and Share House is a client choice food pantry. Clients are involved in the selection of the food packed in their 5-7 day food supply. At both locations, clients are asked to complete a Food Preference Checklist to indicate what foods their household likes in each food category, and their pantry is then prepared accordingly.
The free store that is available to our clients is only possible through donations from the community. We accept and encourage donations of all types of the following:
  • Gently used adult clothing, coats, and shoes
  • Gently used children and infant clothing, coats, and shoes
  • Men's jeans, shirts, socks, and underwear are always in high demand
  • New underwear for young children
Clothing donations should have working zippers and buttons and be free of stains, tears, and rips.
Household items in good condition are very popular with our clients. We accept:
  • Dishes, glasses, pots, and pans
  • Decorative Items
  • Toys
  • Books
  • Baby Items
  • Kitchen and eating utensils
  • Towels and washcloths
  • Sheets
  • Blankets
  • Most other household items
We DO NOT accept furniture, TVs, baby equipment, or old electronics. 

How to make a donation:

Donations of food and clothing may be dropped off at our locations during the following hours: 
600 South Main St.
Monday & Wednesday
9:00-10:30am or 5:00-7:00pm
1808 5th Avenue
Monday & Thursday
9:00am-Noon
Checks may be made to Care and Share House and can be mailed to
PO Box 184, Council Bluffs, IA 51502