Every Gift
Makes Hope Possible
When you donate to O’Connell Children’s Shelter, you’re giving more than funds—you’re giving safety, stability, and the chance for growth. Your gift supports O’Connell’s mission to provide safe homes, deliver prevention and crisis response, life skills, and everyday essentials for children and families in need.
Ways to Give
Monetary Gifts
Support our programs and services that provide stability and life-changing care for children in need.
Item Donation
From clothing to household items, your donated goods directly benefit our clients in our group homes and prevention programs.
Volunteer
Teach a class, share a hobby, or mentor. Your time and talents can open doors for children’s futures.
Your Support in Action
Thanks to generous donors like you, OCS continues to provide safe homes, supportive programs, and life skills training. Donations help maintain group homes, fund prevention efforts, and give youth and families the resources they need to thrive.
Your Support in Action
Thanks to generous donors like you, OCS continues to provide safe homes, supportive programs, and life skills training. Donations help maintain group homes, fund prevention efforts, and give youth and families the resources they need to thrive.
What We Accept
- Gift cards for clothing, groceries, or special activities
- New socks, pillows, extra-long twin sheets, and comforters
- Gently used clothing for teens (seasonal and in good condition)
- Books, board games, puzzles, and movies and movie passes
- Art supplies, craft kits, and journaling materials
- Shelf-stable food stuffs
- New personal hygiene and household cleaning products
Item Donation Details & Guidelines
We gratefully accept new or gently used items that bring comfort, stability, and encouragement to the youth in our care. Your donations directly support children living in our group homes and families working with OCS. Please reach out to O’Connell at 785-843-2085 if you would like to schedule an item donation.
Guidelines for Donating
• Condition matters: Items should be new or like-new, clean, and free of stains or damage.
• Youth focus: Clothing, games, and supplies should be age-appropriate for teenagers.
• Comfort first: Bedding and personal care items must be unopened/new for safety.
• No large furniture: Due to limited storage space, we cannot accept large furniture or oversized items.
• Coordinate drop-off: Please call 785-843-2085 before bringing items so staff can arrange delivery times.
Support Our Capital Campaign:
The Hope Grows Here campaign is O’Connell’s multi-year effort to transform existing resources into a Family Service Center, improved living spaces for the youth in our care, and adding crisis intervention beds.
OCS’s special campaign to strengthen programs, expand services, and invest in the future of children and families in Douglas County. With community support, we’re building more than safe homes—we’re building opportunities for long-term stability and brighter futures.