Frequently Asked Questions: In-Kind Gift Donations

The most helpful impact is through a monetary donation to the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, marked for the UI Hospitals & Clinics Caring Fund or the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital Fund.

Patients and families benefit from in-kind gifts as well. If you wish to donate new items, please choose from the items we need or call 1-319-467-8087 for detailed information on how to donate.

We accept items year-round for patients of all ages. To protect their health and safety, donated items must follow certain rules. View our list of what can and cannot be accepted, as well as a list of local charities that accept donations that we cannot.

The in-kind donation form should be filled out and included with all in-kind donations. Forms are available at the main entrance information desk and children’s hospital information desk. For items shipped directly from a retailer or business, please include donor information for us to acknowledge your gift. 

Download the in-kind donation form 

Due to privacy regulations and infection control polices, a UI Health Care guest services staff member will accept donations on behalf of the organization. We will make sure that items go where they are needed most.  

Many of our patients have restricted diets and food allergies, so we are unable to accept food donations for patients. A number of areas have food pantries to support patients’ families. 

We will accept food donations for families of our patients provided they are individually wrapped, non-perishable snacks that have not exceeded the expiration date on the label. 

In-kind donations are accepted from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and 9 to 11 a.m. on Thursdays. During these times, a Concierge Services staff member or volunteer will be available to greet donors. Donations delivered at other times may not be able to be acknowledged in this fashion. 

Donations will only be accepted outside the UI Hospitals & Clinics Main Entrance or the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital entrance.  

Please call Concierge Services at 319-356-1900 or 319-678-5500 to schedule a donation drop-off.