Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is Hidaya’s In-Kind Donation Collection Center in Northern California? What are its operations Hours?

Location: 57 Bonaventura Dr, San Jose, CA 95134 (Map & Directions)

Hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 12 Noon to 4 PM. (Except Eid Weekends)

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2. What items does Hidaya accept as in-kind donations?

• Clothes/shoes:
  • Items should be in good condition and clean. Separate Warm & Cold Weather Clothing
  • Tie laces together or rubber band around shoes to keep pairs together
• Bedding
  • Blankets/comforters, Sleeping bags, Bed sheets, Pillows, Towels
• Computers
  • Working CPU’s, Working Laptops, LCD monitors, Printers and Scanners
• School Supplies
  • Educational books, Notebooks, Coloring books, Backpacks, Pens, pencils, crayons, etc
• Children’s Toys
  • Stuffed animals, Toys in good condition
• Household Items
  • Pots and pans, Tupperware, Dishes, Tents, Tarps, Tools
• Medical Supplies & Equipments
  • Wheelchairs, Crutches, Walkers, Canes, Bandages

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3. What items does Hidaya NOT accept as in-kind donations?

• Electrical Appliances
• Furniture
• Glass
• CRT Monitors
• Broken Items
• Bikes

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4. Can I mail my In-Kind donations from other States?

Yes you can always send your in-kind donations to our office address listed below. Considering at this time Hidaya has only one permanent donation collection center throughout the US, hundreds of our donors each year ship us their in-kind donations through various logistics services. To the best of our knowledge, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is the most economical way of making such shipments for individuals sending just a few boxes.

Please mail all in-kind donations to our office address:

Hidaya Foundation
1765 Scott Blvd. Suite 115
Santa Clara, CA 95050

Kindly do not send any in-kind donations to our donation collection center / warehouse as it stays open only on weekends and we are not there to collect mail.

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5. Does Hidaya have a pick-up service?

No, at this time we do not have the capability to do so. All donations need to be dropped off at our donation collection center or mailed in to our office address:

Hidaya Foundation
1765 Scott Blvd. Suite 115
Santa Clara, CA 95050

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6. Are in-kind donations tax-deductible?

Yes, Hidaya issues a tax deductible receipt (click here to download) to each donor. Kindly print, fill it and bring the receipt with you to the donation collection center for faster service, otherwise we could issue one for you at time of donation drop-off.

If you are mailing your donation, kindly fill and sign the receipt and include it at the top of the box along with the donations. Upon receiving the package, Hidaya team member will open it, then sign and stamp the receipt and send it back to the donor.

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7. How many containers has Hidaya shipped?

Since the start of the Container Shipment Project for in-kind donations in the year 2000, Hidaya Foundation has sent over TWO-HUNDRED 40-foot containers filled with relief supplies to some of the poorest and disaster stricken people in South Asia.

In 2010, Hidaya Foundation shipped 58 40-foot containers mostly filled with winter clothing and blankets to be distributed to families affected by flooding in Pakistan.

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8. Where does Hidaya ship all these containers to?

Most of these containers go to Pakistan as Hidaya has very strong infrastructure able to handle the load of containers – with around 175 full time employees who distribute the in-kind donations throughout Pakistan. Also, Hidaya has a special permit issued by appropriate authorities which allows Hidaya to clear the containers from customs without any customs duty etc.

At times containers do go to other countries as well as need arises.

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9. What are the approximate values of in-kind donations in each container?

Each container carries supplies worth approximately US $15,000 – $30,000 depending on the supplies within the container.

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10. How much does it cost to ship each 40-foot container?

It costs between $4,000 – $5,000 to ship a 40-foot container, and that cost includes shipping, trucking here and over seas, costs for clearing at customs, and distribution.

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11. Do I have to pay for the shipping cost of these 40-foot containers?

Hidaya asks that our donors kindly donate $1 per pound to help cover shipping costs. These donations towards shipping are the way the project sustains itself and allows us to continue with this work. All donations are Tax-Deductible, and a receipt can be issued upon giving your donation.

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12. How does Hidaya Foundation distribute the contents of the containers at the other end?

Before going for distribution, Hidaya employees visit the villages where distribution will take place and issues tokens to all families to be exchanged for the relief supplies. Because each family has a token that they know will be exchanged for goods – smoother and more controlled distribution of goods can be ensured. With the blessings of Allah, because Hidaya has its own trusted team of over 170 members handling the distribution of goods, donors can be assured that their supplies will reach the deserving, insha’Allah.

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13. How can I be a part of this great charitable work through which thousands are clothed and benefited?

• Donate monetary donation to keep this project running.
• Volunteer on weekends to accept donations at designated collection centers between 12 noon to 4 PM throughout the year.
• Volunteer to help load containers on a needed basis.
• Volunteer to do collection drives in your communities in the USA. Hidaya Foundation encourages you to contact us before doing the drive so we can help with the planning/logistics of all aspects of the project including site selection, advertisement, and container drop off and pick up at your location, as well as shipment and point of distribution arrangements. For a guidelines on how to put on a collection drive, kindly call (408) 244-3282.
• All that you need is the will to help others.

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14. How can I start a collection drive in my local community?

Communities from throughout the United States do collection drives for Hidaya Foundation from time to time – and we help them to arrange the logistics on either getting items to our warehouse facility, or for loading a container directly from their locations. If you would to arrange a collection drive in your community, please contact us at:

Phone: (408) 244-3282 or toll-free (866) 244-3292

E-mail: mail@hidaya.org

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15. Can I get Community Service hours by volunteering at Hidaya’s Donation Collection Center for my school, DMV, County or to meet a Court requirement? 

Yes, Hidaya’s Container Shipment Project for in-kind donations is a great resource for students and others who need community service hours. If you would like to start your community service hours with Hidaya, please contact us at:

Phone: (408) 244-3282 or toll-free (866) 244-3292

E-mail: mail@hidaya.org

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