Hygiene Kits for the Homeless

Written by: Kate Snyder, Development and Donor Communications Coordinator

It was an ambitious goal -- collect 100 backpacks and fill them with useful items for the homeless (like soap, razors, kleenex, toothpaste, etc.). But Chris, a teenager from Avalon, PA, was determined to make his "Hygiene Kits for the Homeless" a reality as part of an Eagle Scout project.

Chris says, "I originally got this project from an idea on the internet, that said that people were simply collecting backpacks and blankets to go to homeless people. I thought, why not keep the backpack idea, but put hygiene equipment in them instead? It could help the people look more presentable, and possibly help them get a job and increase their standard of living."

Chris found East End Cooperative Ministry through some Internet research and approached our Homeless Programs with his idea. We jumped at the offer (of course!) and connected him with the Orr Compassionate Care Center to discuss needs our clients might have.

Several months later, Chris returned, triumphant, with his donation -- 58 complete hygiene kits to EECM (with an additional 57 going to another shelter on the North Side). Each kit contained:

• Bar soap
• A razor
• Shaving cream
• Toothbrushes/toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Shampoo
• Winter socks
• Winter gloves
• Knit cap
• Hand sanitizer
• Kleenex
• Deodorant
• Pocket Bible
• Handi-wipes

Local churches donated many of the items and a school teacher provided the backpacks. Other donations rolled in from stores like Giant Eagle, WalMart and various Dollar Stores. Members of his Boy Scout troop gathered together to assemble the backpacks last weekend and then they arrived at the Orr Center.

Our staff at the Center anticipate presenting the backpacks to our guests as they are ready to leave the Center. What a lovely gift!