HELP Center Community Collections

The HELP Center Provides Essentials with Dignity

Located in Bristol, PA, the HELP Center serves individuals and families across Bucks County, offering a welcoming, store-like experience stocked with brand-new essential items—furniture, home goods, toiletries, food, and more.

But unlike a typical retail store, everything at the HELP Center is completely free for those in need.

For families struggling to make ends meet, securing basic household essentials can be overwhelming—or even impossible. The HELP Center bridges that gap, providing critical items through a dignified personal shopping experience that empowers those we serve.

In the past year alone, our shopper referral program helped over 6,000 people access the essentials they need to rebuild, recover, and thrive.

Together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes without the basics.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

The HELP Center relies on community support to keep its shelves stocked with essential items for local families in need. By collecting and donating high-demand supplies, you can make a direct impact on those struggling to afford basic necessities.

Every donation—big or small—makes a difference in the lives of local families. Gather your group, host a collection drive, or donate directly to help us keep the HELP Center stocked for those who need it most.

Most Needed Items at the HELP Center – Year-Round:

YOU CAN HELP! We are collecting healthy food for families for the HELP Center Emergency Food Pantry. Host a supply drive with your friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers to collect the supplies listed below. If it’s something you need at home, it’s something our shoppers need, too.

*We can only accept unused, in-date items.

  • Nut butters & fruit spread
  • Canned meat and fish
  • Pasta, rice, & noodles
  • Breakfast cereal & oatmeal
  • Snack size chips & pretzels
  • Canned soups & chili
  • Nuts, canned & dried fruit
  • Condiments
  • Canned tomatoes & sauce
  • Shelf stable & dry milk
  • Shelf stable protein drinks
  • Dried herbs & spices
  • Baking supplies
  • Fruit snacks & granola bars
  • And more!

YOU CAN HELP! We are collecting personal hygiene items for the HELP Center. Host a supply drive with your friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers to collect the supplies listed below. If it’s something you need at home, it’s something our shoppers need, too.

*We can only accept unused, in-date items.

  • Bath towel & washcloth
  • Shampoo & conditioner
  • Comb & brush
  • Feminine care products
  • Nail clippers & file
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Floss & mouthwash
  • Bodywash & soap
  • Body lotion & hand cream
  • Deodorant
  • Disposable razors
  • Band-Aids & ointment
  • Depends
  • Sunblock & chapstick
  • And more!

YOU CAN HELP! We are collecting cleaning supplies and home goods for the HELP Center. Host a supply drive with your friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers to collect the supplies listed below. If it’s something you need at home, it’s something our shoppers need, too.

*We can only accept unused, in-date items.

  • Laundry detergent
  • Kitchen & bath towels
  • Disinfectant wipes & spray
  • Paper goods
  • Disposable plates & cutlery
  • Liquid dish soap
  • Toilet & bathroom cleaner
  • Sponges & dishcloths
  • Pots, pans, & bakeware
  • Mops, brooms, & Swiffers
  • Food storage bags & containers
  • Aluminum foil & plastic wrap
  • Trash cans & liners
  • Cleaning bucket & bleach
  • And more!

YOU CAN HELP! We are collecting supplies for babies & young kids for the HELP Center. Host a supply drive with your friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers to collect the supplies listed below. If it’s something you need at home, it’s something our shoppers need, too.

*We can only accept unused, in-date items.

  • Diapers & wipes
  • Baby wash & lotion
  • Baby food & snacks
  • Formula & bottles
  • Diaper rash ointment
  • Coloring books & crayons
  • Stuffed animals & books
  • Teethers & pacifiers
  • Breast pumps
  • Breast milk storage
  • Baby towels & washcloths
  • Child safe sunblock
  • Sunglasses & hats
  • Digital thermometer
  • And more!

Want to support the HELP Center without leaving home? You can purchase much-needed essentials directly from our wishlists, and items will be shipped straight to the HELP Center.

📦 Be sure to include your name and email in the gift notes so we know who the donation is from and can properly thank you!

Shop Our Wishlist by Category:

🛁 Personal Hygiene Products – Shop Here
🧼 Household Essentials & Home Goods – Shop Here
🥫 Healthy, Non-Perishable Food – Shop Here
🍼 Supplies for Babies & Young Kids – Shop Here

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of local families in need!

1. What is a Community Collection?

    A Community Collection is a drive organized by individuals, businesses, schools, faith groups, or other community organizations to collect essential items for the HELP Center. These collections help us stock our shelves with much-needed supplies for local families in need.

    2. What types of items does the HELP Center need most?

    We are always in need of:

    • Personal hygiene products (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine care, etc.)
    • Cleaning supplies (laundry detergent, disinfectant wipes, dish soap, paper towels, etc.)
    • Healthy, non-perishable food (canned goods, pasta, rice, peanut butter, etc.)
    • Household essentials (bedding, towels, kitchen supplies, etc.)

    3. Where can I drop off collected items?

    Donations can be dropped off at the HELP Center, located at:
    📍 194 Commerce Circle, Bristol, PA 19007

    Drop-off hours:
    🗓 Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    🗓 Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

    If you need to schedule a different drop-off time, please contact us at sherir@uwbucks.org.

    4. Can I ship donations directly to the HELP Center?

    Yes! You can purchase needed items from our Amazon Wishlist, and they will be shipped directly to the HELP Center. Be sure to include your name and email in the gift notes so we know who sent the donation.

    5. Can I organize a collection drive with my workplace, school, or group?

    Absolutely! Community groups, businesses, schools, faith organizations, and clubs are great partners in collecting supplies. We can provide flyers, materials, and guidance to help make your collection a success.

    6. How long should my collection run?

    Most collections run for two to four weeks, but you can choose a timeframe that works best for your group.

    7. Can the HELP Center pick up my collected donations?

    For large donations or corporate collections, we may be able to arrange a pick-up. Contact us at sherir@uwbucks.org to discuss logistics.

    8. How will I know my donation made an impact?

    We love sharing the impact of your generosity! If you provide your contact information, we’ll send a thank-you message and updates about how your support is helping local families. You can also follow us on social media for updates.

    9. Can I volunteer at the HELP Center in addition to donating?

    Yes! We welcome volunteers to help sort donations, stock shelves, and assist shoppers. If you’re interested, visit our volunteer page for more details.

    10. Who can I contact with additional questions?

    For more information, please fill out the form below or contact Sheri at sherir@uwbucks.org.

    Click here to download our HELP Center Community Collection flyer.

    If you want to help organize a HELP Center Community Collection contact Sheri Ratner at sherir@uwbucks.org or fill out the form below.

    UNITED WE FIGHT. UNITED WE WIN.

    Join us in changing lives in Bucks County for good by making a donation today. Donations can be made online or by mailing a check to, United Way of Bucks County, 413 Hood Blvd., Fairless Hills, PA 19030.