As we enter the holidays, we're entering what is known as the most generous time of the year. People donate their time, money, and goods to those who might need it.

Food pantries, food banks, and soup kitchens across Michigan are always appreciate of every donation they receive. And around Thanksgiving, they receive a lot.

Items That Get Donated to Food Banks

Dry goods and other long term shelf-stable pantry items are some of the most commonly donated items. These items don't require refrigeration, so it's easy to see why they're donated so often.

While soups, crackers, tuna, and other pantry staples are great items to give, the food bank receives a lot of them. There are some other items that get overlooked.

What Do Food Banks in Michigan Really Need for Donation?

If you'd like to donate to a Michigan food bank or pantry this season, take a look at the list below and you'll find 17 things that they'd love to receive that they almost never get. You might be surprised that it's not all food...

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If you'd like to learn more about how to help right here in Mid-Michigan, you can learn how to donate to the Greater Lansing Food Bank HERE.

Read Related: STOP! Michigan Goodwills Don't Want These 19 Items

Before you drop off any donations that require refrigeration, always make sure to call over to see if they have the capacity to store them.

1. Menstruation Products

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2. Boxed Milk

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3. Milk

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4. Can Opener

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5. Dish Washer Detergent

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6. Fresh Meat

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7. Fresh Produce

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8. Eggs

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9. Flour

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10. Coffee

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11. Butter

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12. Sugar

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13. Cake Mix

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14. Frosting

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15. Oil

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16. Sandwich bread

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17. Tea

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19 Things You Cannot Donate to Goodwill in Michigan

As you begin your spring cleaning and set aside items you no longer want, you may think about donating them to Goodwill. Before you box them up for donation, double-check that those items are actually something that Goodwill accepts. Things like gently used clothes and books are great. However, Goodwill will not accept things like large appliances and car parts. Check out the whole list of things Goodwill doesn't accept, below.

Gallery Credit: Kristen Matthews

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