Where is the Friendship Center located?

2711 W. Lawrence Avenue, near the intersection with N. Washtenaw. The nearest CTA station is the Rockwell Brown Line.

View hours of operation on the Contact Us page.

Can I volunteer?

We do have a need for volunteers, though we cannot accommodate large groups. Learn more about volunteering.

Volunteers are also needed throughout the year to help with special events, larger group volunteer sessions at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, food drives, general maintenance and repairs, pickup and delivery, and other opportunities.

Join our email list and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the most up-to-date information and needs.

What types of items can I donate? 

Here’s a list of current needs, in order of priority:

– Menstrual products
– Soap (all kinds – we LOVE to get your little bottles of hotel soap!)
– Cleaning supplies (especially paper towels and disinfectant wipes)
– Masks (homemade or disposable)
– Shopping bags (all kinds)

A good rule of thumb: If you wouldn’t give it to a friend, we shouldn’t give it to our clients. Thanks!

Can I donate food?

We will happily accept excess supplies of non-perishable (and in some cases, perishable) food items from individuals and organizations. 

If you have questions regarding food donations, please contact ross@friendshipcenterchicago.org.

If you are considering purchasing food for the pantry, please consider a direct financial donation instead, as we are able to buy food through the Greater Chicago Food Depository at extremely low (and sometimes subsidized) prices. 

Pet food, too?

Yes! We accept dog and cat food, kitty litter, and pet toys/supplies for the Friendship Pet Food Pantry, a program of the Friendship Center.

What types of items are not accepted?

We do not accept the following items:

– Electronics
– Appliances
– Furniture
– Used baby bottles and teething toys
– Car seats
– Anything that is soiled or needs repair

When can I drop off donated items?

Drop-off hours are listed on the Contact Us page.

Who manages the Friendship Center?

STAFF

Alex Early
Manager of Operations & Logistics, alex@friendshipcenterchicago.org

Ross Outten
Director of Development, ross@friendshipcenterchicago.org

Greta Bailey
Finance and Communications Coordinator, greta@friendshipcenterchicago.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ted Helwig, Chair
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP

Rob Vosters, Treasurer
Senior Information Governance Specialist, Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Justin Block
Managing Director, Digital Platform Technology – Feeding America

Elizabeth M. Johnson
Associate General Counsel, Citadel LLC

Mark Johnson
Partner, Tiny Lounge

Linda Miranda
Retired Chicago Public School Counselor

Melissa D. Sobota
Partner, Franczek P.C.

Catherine Werner
Director of Mission Advancement, Evangelical Covenant Church

Sarah Zimmerman
Senior Associate Director, Annual Giving, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law