GILLETTE, Wyo. — Prince of Peace Lutheran Church is collecting personal hygiene items through Nov. 30 for the Council of Community Services.
The personal hygiene drive started three years ago when a member who was delivering non-perishables from the church to the Council of Community Services asked what their greatest need was, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Administrative Assistant Amanda Moeller said.
“It was toilet paper and, if they had none, people would ask for newspapers. … The main focus has always been on the need for toilet paper, but I can only imagine what it would be like to be without other personal hygiene items,” Moeller said. “We accept just about anything that a person can think of.”
“During the holidays we have a huge need so we can really take all the help we can get,” Council of Community Services Development Officer Avery Kerman said.
Avery said full-size or travel-size hygiene items are both needed, as are unused hairbrushes and combs, paper towels, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies. Residents at the shelter do their own laundry and help with chores, Avery said.
Avery said the only thing she could think of that the Council wouldn’t accept are boxes of shaving razor blades without handles since they might not receive the corresponding handles.
The center also needs pet food and pet care items, such as shampoo, she said. Many people ask for pet supplies and shelter residents are allowed to keep their animals if they can take care of them, she said.
“It is something we try to give when we can but don’t always have, and it’s hard when our shelter residents have animals of their own!” she said.
