We are committed to providing the men and women we work with items that mirror the high quality services we know they deserve.
ECS accepts specific items for its celebration drives and emergency needs according to the guidelines below. Before you make a donation, please remember to ask yourself if what you are donating is something you or your loved ones would want or use.
Our storage space is limited, please contact us in advance. To learn more about our ongoing needs and how you, your family, or your group can help, contact us at rhenam@ecsphilly.org.
Fill the Bus
Each year, parishes and organizations donate backpacks filled with school supplies to help kids in our Out of School Time program start the school year with the tools they need. ECS provides a list of grade level-appropriate items to fill the packs. Our supporters are also asked to consider donating $25 gift cards to Target, Walmart, or Visa to help fill children’s school needs throughout the year.
Christmas Drive
Our annual Christmas Gift Initiative provides Christmas gifts to children from ECS’s Out of School Time program. We provide parents with gift cards so they can buy gifts for their children. This initiative is a chance to make the holiday a little brighter and aligns with ECS’s mission to instill dignity in our participants and their families. To donate to this annual initiative, you can donate online! When you donate, make sure to include “Gift Cards” and your parish/company affiliation in the comments box.
You can donate to this year’s drive until December 10.
Spring Cleaning
Spring Cleaning is the time to shake off winter, greet the sunshine, and tidy up the spaces we call home. For residents entering our housing programs, we use this time to collect cleaning supplies and create welcome baskets so when they move in they feel ready to go.
Mission Meals & Market
ECS operates Mission Meals & Market in the Carroll Park area of West Philadelphia. Families grappling with food insecurity can shop the open choice pantry Monday through Friday, between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm. This dignity-based program provides a space where families can shop for fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, dairy, non-perishables, and common household goods. Families are also welcome to participate in the nutrition-based education programs offered by our partners.
All food items are accepted, but non-perishable items are preferred. Please check the labels to make sure that your donation has not expired.
Donations are accepted Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm at Mission Meals & Market, 6006 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19151. To arrange for larger donations of food and goods, please email Rhena at rhenam@ecsphilly.org or call her at 215.528.5147.