On Saturday, September 12, we’re bringing Chicago together to collect “the little things,” because we know a matching set of dishes, a cozy reading lamp or a child’s favorite color isn’t a small thing – it’s what makes a house feel like home. Whether you’re donating a few household items, organizing a collection drive at work or bringing together your school, place of worship or neighborhood crew, every contribution helps transform an empty apartment into a welcoming home.
Why Now? Every week, DIGS transforms TWO empty apartments into thoughtfully designed homes for Chicago families tranisitioning out of homelessness. As we scale to service more neighbors, families and communities, we need to ensure a steady supply of new and gently used items. A furnished home provides more than comfort; it creates stability, dignity and a place where families can truly begin again.
Join us. Collect with us. Help welcome more families home.
1. Register Your Collection Drive
Pick one of our top needed items below and organize a drive with your workplace, school, gym, place of worship, book club, neighborhood or friends. We’ll provide everything you need, including graphics to share, collection tips and support along the way!
2. Collect Home Goods
Collect gently used home furnishings and household essentials from your community between NOW and September 12th. Every lamp, towel, kitchen utensil and linen set helps transform a house into a home for a future DIGS family.
3. Drop Everything Off
Bring your collected donations to the DIGS Warehouse (2700 W. Roosevelt Rd. | Chicago) on Saturday, September 12th, between 9a – 12p where our team will unload your vehicle. Grab a donut and coffee, take a warehouse tour and celebrate a drive well done knowing that you’re efforts make a BIG difference!
As a Captain, you’ll:
- Organize a collection drive with your community
- Encourage friends, coworkers or neighbors to participate
- Receive a digital toolkit with flyers, social media graphics and collection tips
- Serve as the primary contact for your group
- Deliver collected donations on Saturday, September 12
Whether you collect 10 or hundreds of items, you’ll help more families experience the dignity of home.
If you can bring people together, you can be a Collection Captain:
- Businesses
- Schools
- Churches & Faith-Based Communities
- Neighborhood Associations
- Sports Teams & Organizations
- Civic Groups
- Families
- Friends
- Apartment Buildings
We’re looking for high-quality, gently used household essentials. Specifically:
- Pillows + Linens
- Towels
- Toys
- Small Kitchen Appliances
- Art/Photo Frames
- TVs
- Bathroom Nicknacks
- Bakeware
- Cookbooks
Who can organize a collection drive?
Anyone! Businesses, schools, churches, community groups and individuals are all encouraged to participate.
Is there a minimum amount to collect?
No. Every donation makes a difference.
Can I volunteer instead?
Absolutely. Volunteers are needed the week following the Dropoff Day to sort through donations and inventory. Please click here to learn and register.
Can I donate if I’m not part of a collection drive?
Yes! Individuals are also welcome to bring donations directly to the warehouse on September 12.
Are there items you DO NOT collect?
We do not accept clothing… large furniture items (king sized)… stained or soiled items… non-working electronics… any major appliances (refrigerators, ovens, toilets, sinks)… anything that needs to be installed (lighting fixtures, etc.).
Who can I contact with any questions?
Please use this link to send us an email.
Are you accepting items OTHER than what’s listed on your top needs?
Yes, indeed. You’re welcome to drop off ANY items on the day of the event at our warehouse.