Donations FAQ

We are currently accepting winter clothing in new or nearly new condition. Specific items needed at this time include boys’ underwear (sizes 4-adult), kids’ clothing (especially girls sizes 24 month to 8, boys sizes 2T to 14), sneakers (all sizes), diapers (sizes 4, 5, 6), and pull-ups. Baby gear needed: strollers (especially those compatible with an infant carseat) and vibrating infant seats.

Some things we need

We Also Accept

We gave this care package to a 5-year-old girl. We included a suitcase, backpack, quilt, sneakers, books, toys, clothing, and toiletries. Imagine how happy she was to receive this gift! Thank you to all our supporters for making this possible!

Do you accept monetary donations?

Yes. Checks can be mailed to Nurturing Foster Families, Inc., P.O. Box 1073, Orleans MA 02653. Nurturing Foster Families, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.

Can I volunteer my time?

Yes! We would love your help with sorting and organizing the donations. We also need people who are willing to drive to drop off or pick up items occasionally. Please fill out the volunteer form and we will be in contact. 

My child is a student who needs community service hours. Can he volunteer?

Yes. Fill out the volunteer form and make sure your student brings the school form when he or she comes in to volunteer.

I’d like to host an event with you – how can we do that?

Please call us to discuss the details. It is so important for foster families to have the chance to get together to allow the kids as well as the parents to socialize. Fostering can be very isolating and we would love to find ways to bring families together for a couple of hours!

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. Cape Cod Foster Closet is a program of Nurturing Foster Families, a registered 501(c)(3) organization.

I want to donate items to the closet, but I don’t live on the Cape. How can I get them to you?

The easiest way to donate would be to visit our Amazon wishlist.

Otherwise, you can mail items to P.O. Box 1073, Orleans MA 02653.

Where can I drop off donations?

We accept donations at the Foster Closet (195 Rt. 6A, Orleans) on Tuesdays from 9 to 11 and Wednesdays from 2 to 4, or by appointment. Please do not leave items outside our door if we are closed.

How can our organization partner with you?

Here are some possibilities:

1. Offer a discount to foster families – 15% off meals for example, or 10% off services such as photography, massage, haircuts, etc. Foster families would be given a card that would be presented in order to receive a discount
2. Host an event for families – bowling, mini golf, painting
3. Donate goods – clothing, shoes, school supplies, backpacks, baby items, formula, diapers, etc.
4. Host a drive – place a collection bin at your place of business and collect a certain type of donation from customers for a month (we would provide signage for the bin and help you advertise if you’d like)

Do you accept car seats?

Yes, as long as they are clean, have not expired, and have not been in an accident. We will ask you to send a photo of the manufacturer’s label so that we can ascertain the expiration date and make sure it has not been recalled..

Do you take infant formula?

Yes, as long as it has not expired and has not been opened.

What types of items do you NOT accept?

We do not accept:

• Clothing or shoes that are stained or torn
• Toys or games that are broken or have missing pieces
• Opened packages of baby bottle nipples or pacifiers
• Suitcases
• Cribs
• Used stuffed animals

Occasionally we may have to put a hold on accepting certain items due to space limitations. Check here on the website or on our Facebook page for those announcements.