Support TheShop

Every dollar you give goes directly toward keeping our doors open, our kitchen stocked, and our drop-in space 100% free for local teens. When you donate to TheShop, you aren't funding a bureaucratic institution—you are providing a hot meal, a safe environment, and trusted mentorship to ages 13–18 in the Brainerd Lakes Area right when they need it most.

Where Your Money Goes

Fuel the Future of Brainerd Youth

Hot Meals & Daily Snacks: For many teens, our kitchen is where they get their primary evening meal. Your funding buys real food, fresh snacks, and daily drinks.
100% Free Access: We charge zero fees, require no memberships, and ask for no paperwork. Belonging starts the second a teen walks through the door—no strings attached.
Safe Space & Belonging: You keep the lights on, the heat running, and the doors unlocked at 723 Washington Street so local youth always have a safe harbor after school.

Growth & Life Skills

Academic Guidance & Tutoring: Providing one-on-one homework help, study supplies, and mentors who help students stay on track for graduation.
Real-World Preparation: Funding hands-on programs like LifeTalks, where local experts teach practical adulting skills—from financial literacy to career exploration.
Creative Outlets & Equipment: Supporting youth-led initiatives like The Ripple Effect, giving teens hands-on experience running live music, sound engineering, and visual arts production.

Ways to Give

Option 1: Give Online

Fast, direct, and transparent. Choose the giving platform that works best for you:

Zeffy (100% Fee-Free): Zeffy ensures 100% of your donation goes directly to The Shop without taking a cut for credit card processing.

Donate

GiveMN: Donate through Minnesota’s trusted statewide giving portal to support our ongoing community campaigns.

Donate

Option 2: Mail a Check

Prefer to give by mail? You can send checks payable to

The Brainerd Baxter Youth Center directly to our mailbox

The BBYC -Shop

723 Washington St

Brainerd, MN 56401

Volunteer

Our volunteers are the heartbeat of TheShop. You don't need a background in social work—just a willingness to listen, engage, and be a positive, consistent presence in a young person's life.

Ways You Can Help

Drop-In Mentor: Hang out during open hours, play board games, help with homework, or simply chat over a meal.

LifeTalks Guest Speaker: Share your trade, professional expertise, or practical life skills (budgeting, auto maintenance, trades, culinary art) with local teens.

Event Support: Assist with setup, sound, lighting, or supervision during The Ripple Effect live music and art showcases.

Become a Volunteer

Wishlist

Our volunteers are the heartbeat of TheShop. You don't need a background in social work—just a willingness to listen, engage, and be a positive, consistent presence in a young person's life.

Logistical Needs

Deodorant
Tampons
Body Wash for Men and Women. Small size for backpacks.
Socks (Low Cut Men and Women)
Cloth bags to send goods home with youth
Small tupperware containers to send food home with youth
Medium clear totes for food storage
Paper Plates
Eating Utensils (Compost friendly but plastic will suffice to keep us healthy)
Paper towels
Toilet paper

The Goodies

Microwaveable single meals for those times youth cannot wait until dinner for a hot meal (Mac n Cheese, Raman, Chef Boyardee Beef Stew, etc.)
Prepared meal for 20 (Sloppy Joes, Spaghetti with Meatballs, etc)
Prepared meal for 20 frozen in 5 Quart tubs.
Chocolate Milk White Milk Yogurt Ice Cream
Fruits (Apples, Oranges, Bananas, Grapes)
Veggies and Ranch Dressing (Carrots, Celery, Broccoli, Peppers)
Chips and Salsa Cheetos and Doritos Ritz Crackers
Granola Bars for pockets and backpacks
Trail Mix (individual bags)
Baby Bell Cheese Rounds or Cheese Sticks
Block Cheese and Salami (Extra Protein)
Hot dogs and buns. Hamburger patties and buns.
Mac and cheese
Eggs and Pancake mix
Did we mention cookies?

Art Supplies

Small canvases
Acrylic Paint
Fabric paint
Mini Glue Sticks
Hot Glue Gun
Paint Brushes
Stickers
Acrylic Markers
Stamp Pads and ink

Random Stuff

Carpentry skills for minor repairs or new ideas. ( We contact you when necessary)
Upright Bissell Carpet Shampoo Machine. Yup… spills happen
A newer Apple TV that can support apps like Netflix, Prime, and YouTube.
Guitar Strings. You would need to come in and help us determine the kind.
13 gallon trash bags
Label maker!
Kleenex
HDMI Cords
USPS Stamps
Printer Paper
Toner HP Laser Jet - 141a Black