For the City Times

Local Crisis Agencies to Benefit from Hygiene & Cleaning Product Donations

APPLETON — Eighty-two crisis programs in the Family Radio Networks listening areas will soon be benefitting from The Family’s 26^th annual “Help for the Homeless” hygiene drive Feb. 18– March 11.  Last spring 820 businesses, churches and schools collected and donated $377,000 worth of hygiene products to their local crisis programs.

Businesses, churches, schools are now being sought to place a collection box in their high traffic areas for their own members, staff, or students to fill. Donations will remain in the community where they are collected. Cleaning and personal care items such as laundry soap, hair and dental care items, diapers, and bathroom tissue are needed.

“He had nothing. We were able to give him clothing, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, shaving cream, razor and a hot lunch. He wanted to be prepared for job searching the next day. He was so happy, but most of all thankful – the tears in his eyes said it all…along with his very emotional ‘thank you.’” – The Salvation Army

The Family’s Help for the Homeless works directly with 15 community homeless coalitions to stock the shelves of local crisis programs so that they can dedicate their limited financial resources to providing qualified personnel, education, counseling, shelter and food to those they serve.  NOTE: Hygiene and cleaning items are not covered by FoodShare (Food Stamps). The goal of Help for the Homeless is to supply a year’s worth of product to each agency.

To request a collection box, call Heidi Prahl at 800-236-9364.  More info at thefamily.net.

Central Wisconsin: Marshfield Mary’s Place Boarding House, St. Vincent De Paul, The Hannah Center Antigo: Avail Inc., Stevens Point: Evergreen Community Initiatives Waupaca: Agape Center, CAP Services, Foundations for Living Inc. Wausau The Neighbors’ Place, Community Center of Hope, Community Corner Clubhouse, The Open Door of Marathon County, The Salvation Army of Marathon County, Wisconsin Rapids: (SWEPS) South Wood Emerging Pantry Shelf, The Family Center