Helping Our Neighbors: Filling the Hygiene Gap
by Kristen Maxwell, Associate Director
We all know how much our local food pantries do for our community. They're a lifeline for people struggling to put food on the table. But when people face tough times, their needs go beyond just food. Think about the everyday hygiene stuff we all need: soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and things like pads and tampons are essential. These aren't luxuries – they're basics that affect people's health, how they feel about themselves, and their overall well-being.
For many who are trying to make ends meet, it's a tough choice between buying food and buying these hygiene items. That's a hard spot to be in. What started as supplying hygiene supplies for newly arrived refugees has grown into a small ministry of its own. With your generous partnership, we’ve been able to designate a place in our building where people can get the hygiene products they need. It's about ensuring everyone can maintain their dignity and meet their basic needs with kindness . Seeing the relief on someone's face when they can pick up something as simple as a bar of soap or a new toothbrush is eye-opening. It reminds us that caring for our community means looking at all the fundamental things people need.
But the need is always there; we can't do this alone.
To keep this important resource going, we ask for your help keeping our shelves stocked. Right now, our needs are:
For healthy smiles: Toothpaste, toothbrushes
For clean hair: Shampoo, conditioner
For healthy skin: Bar soap, body wash, lotion
For feminine care: Pads, tampons
To feel fresh: Deodorant
Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference in someone's life. When you contribute these basic items, you're not just giving a product; you're helping someone maintain their dignity, stay healthy, and feel more like themselves.
If you would like to support our “Hygiene Corner,” please drop off any of the above items at our building during normal business hours (M-Th 10:00 am-4:00 pm) or program hours. Your kindness will help us continue bridging this hygiene gap in our community and ensure everyone has access to the basic necessities they deserve. Thank you for being part of the solution. We can build a stronger, healthier, and more caring community for everyone.
Questions? Email me at: kristenm@missionadelante.org
Be part of our programs!
We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?
May 17th- New Volunteer Orientation- 9:00 am-12:30 pm- This is a time for new volunteers to find out more about Mission Adelante and how they can serve, share life, and share Jesus with people from other places. Please use this form to let us know you will be here, and which ministry areas you are most interested in. New Volunteer Orientation Sign Up
May 19th- All Volunteer Huddle and Dessert- 6:30-8:30 pm- Join volunteers from all ministry areas to pray and plan for the trimester ahead. Feel free to bring a dessert to share during our social time at the beginning. Please let the leader of your ministry area know if you cannot attend.
May 27th- First week of Summer Trimester Programs- Please make note that the summer trimester will start on Tuesday after Memorial Day.