Donations are overflowing at Ruth Meiers Hospitality House.

The counters, table and floors of the conference room are covered with boxes, backpacks, wrapped gifts and other donated items.

"It's incredible ,and there's Christmas presents, too," said development director Kristi Schmidt.

Its most recent donations on Monday include 200 Beanie Babies and new bedding.

The Beanie Babies came from a 9-year-old Beulah girl. She came with her mother to donate the plush toys.

"I have a lot, and I didn't know what to do with them," Lyndsey Scheurer said.

She came into Ruth Meiers Hospitality House looking all business. She wore a pale pink suit and black Mary Janes. She accessorized with a purple sash and glittery tiara. Lyndsey is Little Miss North Dakota.

The Beanie Babies were gifts from her grandmother and sister, she said.

Donations should last through May for the women's and children's shelter and the food pantry, Schmidt said. The people who stay at the shelter get bedding that they can take with them, and some other household items. Children in the shelter get a blanket and a toy.

The other donation Monday was from a bedding and linen company, Private Quarters. Sales consultant Ann Stewart was one of the top 20 producers for the company, and was able to select a shelter to donate items.

The women and children's shelter serves 30 people, and it's full. The men's shelter has 13 beds. The average stay in the women's shelter is three months, and those staying usually have young children, Schmidt said.

Donations are still being accepted at Ruth Meiers Hospitality House, 1800 E. Broadway Ave. They can use houeshold items, clothes and bus passes, as well as cash donations and gift certificates. For a list of items, visit www.rmhh.org.

(Reach reporter Sara Kincaid at 250-8251 or sara.kincaid@;bismarcktribune.com.)