In-kind donations can be very valuable for relief operations; however, restrictions apply to what, where and how such gifts can be made. Because the American Red Cross wants to treat all people equally, we can only accept products donated in quantities large enough to ensure we can distribute similar items to everyone we are assisting. Therefore, the Red Cross may only accept bulk donations of products that are expressly needed in a disaster relief operation, such as bottled water, toiletries, and food products.

Bulk donations consist of a single product packaged in large quantities on pallets. This makes them easy to ship, store, and process, all critical activities in a disaster environment. Because of the quantities needed, corporations supply the majority of in-kind donations used by the Red Cross. Donors are asked to cover the shipping of in-kind donations directly to disaster sites.

While the Red Cross cannot accept the donation of an individual item, you can support the Red Cross by making a monetary donation or supporting your community by donating these in-kind items to an organization that is equipped to put them to the best possible use. If your company has a large bulk donation that you think would be appropriate for Red Cross relief efforts, please contact Corinne Story at 314.516.2710.