Support Families in need of Food
FOOD DRIVE UPDATE: COMMUNITY RESPONSE & GROWING NEED
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, our recent food drive during the 2025 government shutdown raised $53,501.30 from 248 donations between November and the end of the year. We are deeply grateful to everyone who stepped up during a critical time.
At the same time, demand for food assistance increased sharply. We welcomed:
62 new households in September
98 new households in October
98 new households in November
While we’re grateful for the strong response, the rising number of families turning to our food bank reminds us that the need continues.
Your support helps ensure no one in our community goes without nutritious food and dignified care.
Make a Monetary Donation
Financial gifts help us respond right away. We can purchase exactly what is needed, fill gaps in our inventory, and buy culturally specific foods preferred by the families we serve.
Your gift will help us:
- Restock core staples like rice, beans, pasta, and cooking oil
- Purchase fresh produce
- Support seniors and families on fixed incomes
- Keep our Food Bank open and dignified
Every dollar matters.
Donation Matching:
Want to make your donation go further? Many employers offer matching gift programs and will match charitable contributions made by their employees. Check to see if your employer has a matching gift program here!
Donate Food
We gladly accept nonperishable foods and culturally relevant items that reflect our community.
Foods we love to receive:
- Rice (Ideally in 1-2 lb bags, NOT bulk)
- Beans (canned or dry)
- Condiments: peanut butter, jam/jelly, salsa, Nutella, etc. (sealed and no refrigeration needed until opened)
- Oatmeal (packets or cartons)
- Canned goods: fish, chicken, veggies, fruit, soup (MUST be labeled)
- Loaves of bread
- Shelf stable milk
- Drinks: juices, water bottles, tea jugs, tea packets, coffee bean bags, etc.
- Snacks: bars, fruit snacks, crackers, etc.
In addition to these much needed food products, we also welcome:
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes (Individually wrapped)
- Mini soaps
- Shampoo
- Antiseptic wipes
- Baby formula and products
Quality Reminder:
Please donate food that you would feel good about eating yourself. We cannot distribute expired, severely dented, moldy, or otherwise unsafe items. This helps us protect the dignity and health of our community and reduces the time our staff spends sorting unusable food. Thank you for understanding.
To coordinate a larger donation, please contact our Food Bank Coordinator Sarah Salvador at (206) 973-4401 or email ssalvador@elcentrodelaraza.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
I would like to make a donation by phone, who do I call?
Please call (206) 957-4621 and we can process your donation via phone.
Is my donation tax deductible?
The IRS has recognized El Centro de la Raza as a 501(c)3 organization. Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Tax ID: 91-0899927.
will my personal information be sold to a third party?
No. We will never share or sell donor information with third parties.
My employer will match my donation. What is your Tax ID Number?
Tax ID: 91-0899927
Full legal name: EL CENTRO DE LA RAZA
I received an error when I tried to donate online. What should I do?
Double-check that your expiration date and/or CVV code (the three-digit code on the back of your card) are correct. Also, ensure that all of the required fields have been completed. If you are still receiving an error, email donor@elcentrodelaraza.org and state your issue, name and phone number, and someone from our Development Office will look into it and get back to you.
How do I know my donation was received?
If you made your donation online via our website or phone, an automatic email confirmation is sent to you shortly after your donation is submitted. If you cannot locate it, be sure to check your junk mail folder. If you do not receive anything within 24 hours, email your information to donor@elcentrodelaraza.org and we can verify for you.
If you mailed in your donation, you will receive an acknowledgement letter via mail unless you indicated you would like it emailed and provided your email address to us. If you would like to verify that your donation was received, please email donor@elcentrodelaraza.org or call Kiki (206) 957-4621 with your name, contact information and donation amount and she’ll be happy to verify it for you. If your donation was for $250 or more, a tax letter will be mailed to you no later than January 31.
Can i designate my donation to a specific program?
Yes, you can. You can indicated which program in the Program Designation box when you donate online or in the Memo line on your check if you donate via mail.
Can I make a donation in memory or honor of someone?
Yes, you can. You can indicate the name of the person in the field, “This gift is honor or memory of” on our online donation form or in the Memo link of your check.
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