A extra bottle of shampoo may not seem like much, but it can mean the world to someone else. Donating to the Rock Island Public Library’s February Community Comforts Drive can help neighbors in need maintain health, dignity, and confidence.
Rock Island Library Community Comforts Drive Seeks Donations for Heart of Hope and The Third Place: An extra bottle of shampoo or container of deodorant may not seem like much, but it can mean the world to someone who can’t afford them. Donating to the Rock Island Public Library’s February Community Comforts Drive can help neighbors in need maintain health, dignity, and confidence.
From February 2 to 28, the library will welcome donations of personal care, hygiene items, household cleaning products, and other supplies at its three Rock Island locations. Donated items will be distributed to Heart of Hope Outreach Center and The Third Place drop-in center to bring comfort, basic dignity and confidence to those struggling to find or afford basic necessities. (In Illinois, most personal care and hygiene items are not covered by SNAP. The sole exception is menstrual supplies.)
Karrah Kuykendall, Rock Island Public Library Adult Services director, is hoping for big things from the 8th annual effort. “Last year’s Community Comforts Drive collected nearly 1,500 items that greatly helped those in need. We are always so moved to witness our community’s sense of caring and willingness to help others, and hope to see similar or even better results this year.”
Pink donation boxes are available from Monday, February 2 to Saturday, February 28 at the Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street, the Rock Island Southwest Library, 9010 Ridgewood Road, and the Rock island Watts-Midtown Branch, 2715 30th Street. Examples of needed items include body wash and wipes, hair care, bottled water, dish soap, hand sanitizer, deodorant, soaps, toilet paper, toothpaste, new socks and underwear, laundry detergent, and more.
Heart of Hope Ministries operates a community outreach office at 1740 9th Avenue, Rock Island, that offers a drop-in food pantry and weekly homebound delivery option. For details, contact Heart of Hope at (309) 428-4752. The Third Place QC offers a drop-in center offering connections and resources for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability. (www.thethirdplaceqc.org/)
For more information, including a downloadable wish list of items needed for the two charities, visit the library’s event calendar or call 309-732-7341.