Deoderant, razors and shaving cream are especially needed, and underwear and socks for men, women and children would be welcome.
A young friend of the Springfield Rescue Mission holds one of the "Hope Totes" that are given to the homeless and needy. A drive is underway through March to collect personal care and hygiene products and other items to fill "Hope Totes" for distribution this year. SPRINGFIELD - Many people take a daily shower for granted, but for homeless and at-risk people, basic hygiene often is a luxury they can’t afford. The Springfield Rescue Mission’s “Operation Hope Tote,” which runs through the end of March, seeks to address the need for basic toiletries for the area’s needy.
The Rescue Mission is seeking donations in an effort to help area residents and families throughout the Easter season.
Julie Barnes, community development assistant at the Springfield Rescue Mission, says they are hoping for another successful campaign.
“Last year, we saw an increase in the number of bags donated,” Barnes said. “In 2010, there were about 1,100, and last year, there were about 1,800 - a huge increase. It was much needed, and we give it all back out to the community.”
Toiletries needed include shampoo and conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap and body wash, brushes and combs, tissues, deodorant, disposable razors, shaving cream, body lotion, body powder and lip balm. Socks, T-shirts and underwear for men, women and children are also needed.
“People don’t need to give everything on the list,” Barnes said. “We (sort through the donations to) make sure there’s nothing broken and nothing used, and we will re-bag all the items on the list.”
Barnes said often people find a good sale on a particular item and buy several to donate.
“If someone gives 20 shampoos, that’s great because someone else might give 20 conditioners,” she said.
Toiletries in all sizes, from family and regular-sized, to travel sizes, are appreciated. Travel-sized items are used in the Rescue Mission’s emergency shelter.
The items collected are given out through the Mission’s Operation Sonshine mobile feeding program, a van that makes several stops in Springfield each week to hand out free lunch to the needy.
Barnes said these items really make a difference to those who otherwise wouldn’t have them.
“Many of them are living in crisis, meaning they’re on the verge of homelessness, or they’re struggling to pay the bills, rent and electricity,” she said. “Most of the time, they won’t have the money to buy these basic necessities, so we’re trying to help them out by providing toiletry items and other items that may be needed that they can’t afford.”
While the campaign only runs through March 31, the Rescue Mission counts on this campaign to keep supplies stocked year-round for its rehabilitation program and emergency shelter.
“Deodorant, razors and shaving cream are especially needed,” Barnes said. “Usually by June or July, we end up running out of these items.”
Donations can be dropped off at 19 Bliss St. weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Volunteers are needed to sort and bag the items, as well as to distribute them through Operation Sonshine. Volunteer slots are listed on the mission’s website, www.hope4springfield.org, or volunteers can call volunteer coordinator Lenore Brooks at (413) 732-0808, ext. 102.