About the Program

Due to overwhelming demand from our partner agencies, Jersey Cares has established the First Night Kit Program. Throughout the year, we manage projects where volunteers assemble kits for domestic violence shelters, transitional housing facilities, runaway safe havens, foster homes and other agencies with transitional populations in need of hygiene items on the "first night" of their stay. Once we receive a certain number of items, projects are scheduled in our calendar to assemble the kits and we donate them to participating agencies in need.

Items to Collect

Please note that we can ONLY accept new, unopened items. Pajamas, t-shirts, socks and underwear must still have the tags on - we do not accept used clothing. Do not send used clothing. The items in need for First Night Kits include:

- shampoo

- conditioner

- lotion

- toothpaste

- toothbrush

- deodorant

- comb

- book

- notepad and pen

- calling card (5 minutes or more)

- pajamas (sizes for children and adults)

- t-shirt

- socks

- underwear

- gallon size zip lock bags

- small toy (for children's kits)

Organize a Drive

If your office, alumni club, sorority/fraternity, girl/boy scout troop or other group of friends would like to conduct your own drive, please contact our office if you have questions. We welcome group participation and are happy to help you have a successful drive.

Agency Recipients

If you're an agency in need of First Night Kits, please call 973-424-1091 or email Thomas Dougherty to be come a recipient.

Delivery Information

Please deliver or ship all items directly to the Jersey Cares Offices:

Attn: First Night Kit Program

Jersey Cares

494 Broad Street, Suite 104

Newark, NJ 07102

This is an ongoing initiative - there is no deadline for collected items.