Porter County Aging and Community Services is teaming with The Salvation Army to host a personal care items drive for Porter County residents.
Responding to a community-wide need, the organizations are accepting donations of toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, body wash, deodorant, feminine hygiene items, mouthwash, toothpaste, dental floss, toothbrushes, dish soap and laundry soap.
Items may be dropped off at two locations: Porter County Aging and Community Services, 1005 Campbell St., or The Salvation Army, 799 Capital Road, both in Valparaiso.
To arrange pick up of items, contact Valerie Martinez via phone at (219) 464-9736 or email at vaboruff@iun.edu. Flyers and pick-up service are being provided by The Salvation Army Youth Group.
The drive was spearheaded with the assistance of Martinez, who is an AmeriCorps volunteer working at PCACS.
“There is a great need in Porter County for personal care items. People are struggling to wash their clothes, bathe and keep up with hygiene. There are many food banks but not any place people can go for the basics like toilet paper and soap,” she said. “Since the Salvation Army already has the pantry space and the way to distribute these items, we thought it was a good idea to team up with them.”
PCACS Executive Director Bruce Lindner said the drive is another way for PCACS to serve the community.
“We feel it is important to bring together community organizations in a way that will help impact the most people. By working with The Salvation Army, we are pooling our resources and making the most of our efforts to help those residents who are in need of these everyday essentials,” he said.
PCACS’ mission is to extend a helping hand to seniors, those who are disabled and low-income residents by providing services to improve their quality of life, including transportation, nutrition programs, energy assistance and activity centers.
For more information, visit www.portercountyacs.org.