In-Kind Giving
In-Kind Donations: Make a Tangible Difference with Community Partners in Action
At Community Partners in Action (CPA), in-kind donations are more than gifts—they are a direct way to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people impacted by the justice system and those in need throughout Connecticut. These contributions—ranging from clothing and hygiene products to art supplies and non-perishable food—provide essential support where it is needed most.
Giving in-kind has a powerful impact not only on the individuals we serve but also on the donor. Your contributions allow CPA to focus financial resources on critical programs and initiatives, creating stronger, more resilient communities. For donors, participating in in-kind giving can be a rewarding, hands-on way to engage with our mission, see the tangible effects of your generosity, and connect with CPA’s programs and the people they support.
When you donate goods, you’re helping someone take a step toward stability, dignity, and personal growth, whether that means a warm coat for a returning citizen, art supplies for creative expression in our prison arts program, or nourishing food for families in need. Every gift strengthens CPA’s programs and fosters lasting connections within the community.
If you are interested in donating items or organizing a drive, please contact Lizzette Irizarry at 860 271 7194 or donate@cpa-ct.org.
WAYS TO GIVE
In-Kind donation from Cathleen Brown of Brown & Brown to the Hartford Reentry Welcome Center.
Hartford Reentry Welcome Center basic needs closet.
In-Kind donations of basic needs filled backpacks from Brown & Brown to the Hartford Reentry Welcome Center.
Donation Program
Reentry Backpack Drive
You can make a meaningful impact by hosting a Reentry Backpack Drive with co-workers, friends, or community groups, or by contributing items for a backpack yourself.
Returning home from prison is a critical moment, and our drive ensures that individuals have the essentials they need to start fresh. Each backpack is filled with personal care and practical items such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, towels, socks, notebooks, and pens.
Many of the individuals and organizations that support this effort also visit our Reentry Welcome Centers to assemble the supplies into backpacks—an opportunity to see our work firsthand, meet participants, and be part of the process.
By providing these essential items, we help individuals return to the community with dignity, hope, and a fresh start.
What We Need Most: Backpacks, phones, gift cards, bus passes, towels/wash clothes, and men’s hygiene products
Contact Information: Lizzette Irizarry at 860 271 7194; lirizarry@cpa-ct.org;
Clothes Closet
The Community Service Program Clothes Closet provides quick access to clothing, shoes, undergarments, and winter coats for CPA participants, people seeking assistance through the court system, local shelters, and others in need.
Heavily dependent on in-kind donations, the program accepts new and gently used items for adult men and women of all sizes, with new socks, undergarments, boots, winter coats, and larger-size clothing especially needed.
These contributions provide immediate relief and help individuals present themselves with confidence as they rebuild their lives.
What We Need Most: Gently used clean winter coats, sweatpants, sweatshirts, and hoodies.
Contact Information: Lizzette Irizarry at 860 271 7194; lirizarry@cpa-ct.org;
Care Packages
Care Packages are assembled by Community Service participants and distributed to individuals arriving at court and those living on the streets of Hartford.
Each package includes small but essential items such as socks, gloves, hats, snacks, hand sanitizer and more that address immediate basic needs.
A simple care package not only provides comfort, but also reminds recipients that they are seen, valued, and supported.
What We Need Most: Socks, gloves, hats, hand sanitizer, and individually packaged snacks.
Contact Information: Lizzette Irizarry at 860 271 7194; lirizarry@cpa-ct.org;
Prison Arts Supply Drive
Creative outlets are vital for healing and growth, and encourage and sustain strong personal connections. Donations of art supplies—like high quality pencils, colored pencils, pens, and paper—support participants in our Prison Arts Program, as they pursue unique and evolving artistic endeavors both in prison and upon their release.
Contact Information: Lizzette Irizarry at 860 271 7194; lirizarry@cpa-ct.org;