By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
The community is encouraged to donate towards a hygiene drive for the support of local families who are in need, during the Federal Government shutdown.
This drive will occur from Saturday, November 1 - Sunday, November 30 at various drop-off locations:
- City-County building (300 W. Ash Street) Room 209
- Ad Astra Books & Coffee House (135 N. Santa Fe)
- Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank (255 S. Chicago)
- Eagle Communications (1825 S. Ohio)
- Saline County Sheriff's Office (800 E. Pacific Ave)
Once all donations are collected, items will be distributed to the Kansas Impact Coalition and the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank.
Items collected for the drive include:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Deodorant
- Soap
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Hand sanitizer
- Body wipes
- Detergent
- Shaving cream
- Toilet paper
- Cleaning supplies
- Disinfectant wipes
- Feminine products
Two Salina County employees, Rebecca Nichols and Tonya Moran-Diaz started the drive.
Nichols told Salina Post the reason of starting the drive with other Salina organizations.
"We, (Rebecca Nichols and Tonya Moran-Diaz) are two ordinary women who recognized an important need within our community. We have heard and seen all of the worries of losing SNAP and we felt we needed to do our part to help the community," she said.
"With the ongoing government shutdown and the potential loss of SNAP benefits for many families in November, countless individuals may soon face a difficult decision at the grocery store, choosing between essential cleaning products or food," added Moran-Diaz. "We believe no one should have to make that choice. Everyone deserves access to both nourishment and hygiene. As we move deeper into cold, flu, and COVID season, maintaining good hygiene is one of the most effective ways to help reduce the spread of illness. Both the Salina Food Bank and the Kansas Impact Coalition actively distribute hygiene and personal care items, turning community donations into tangible care for those in need. Unfortunately, these essential items are among the least donated and will be taken off the grocery list because food is more important."
The Salina Food Bank offers scheduled hours for distribution, and the Kansas Impact Coalition provides support by appointment for individuals unable to visit the Food Bank.
"Every contribution, no matter how small helps ensure that members of our community can meet their basic needs with dignity and health," said Moran-Diaz.