For the City Times

Twenty-two crisis agencies in Central Wisconsin are partnering with 88.5 The Family radio network for their 25th annual “Help for the Homeless” hygiene drive Feb. 19 – March 12.

Last spring 800 private locations throughout the Family’s listening areas collected “in-house” for the drive, donating $309,000 worth of products to their local crisis programs.

Businesses, churches, and schools are now being sought to participate this year by placing a collection box for their members, staff, or students in high traffic areas. Donations remain in the communities where they are collected. New cleaning and personal care items such as laundry soap, hair and dental care items, diapers, and bathroom tissue are needed.

“First, she lost her health, then her job, her insurance, and then her home. Most of her money was going towards medications. She was living out of her car with no money for extras. When I gave her tampons, toothpaste, a toothbrush, soap and shampoo, she began to cry – stating that she’ll no longer have to use toilet paper for feminine needs.” – Crystal

“They believed in me, and gave me food and space at the shelter to sleep. Not only that, but they also gave me soap, deodorant, a razor, and shampoo before my interview for the job that I desperately needed.  I would not be employed if not for their help and the services they provide.”  – Michael

The Family’s Help for the Homeless works directly with area homeless coalitions to stock the shelves of local homeless and crisis programs so that they can dedicate their limited financial resources to providing qualified personnel, safe housing, nutritious food, education, and counseling to those they serve. The goal of Help for the Homeless is to supply a year’s worth of product to each agency.

Note: Hygiene and cleaning items are not covered by FoodShare (Food Stamps).

Sponsored by 88.5 The Family Radio Network with Century 21 Gold Key Realty in Marshfield, and Buska & Buska Insurance

The Family Center Domestic Violence Shelter, and the South Wood Emerging Pantry Shelf & Warming Shelter (SWEPS) are taking part in this campaign on a local level here in Wisconsin Rapids.

To request a collection box, call Heidi Prahl at 800-236-9364. Details, flyers, lists of requested items are at thefamily.net