Letter to the editor: Help the homeless
A bar of soap and a washcloth − two things taken for granted by many. But, they are often unavailable to homeless clients of Refuge of Hope Ministries facility in Canton. Clothing, blankets, small household items are donated. Free meals are provided, but there's a big shortage of hygiene and personal care items.
One woman asked for a washcloth, but Refuge could provide only a cloth napkin. Occasionally, tiny bars of hotel soaps are donated, but they last only a couple of washups.
Consider donating full bar soaps (like Dial antibacterial), wash or dish cloths (please launder them first), and two sizes of smaller zipper storage bags. Put wrapped soap in a small bag. That bag goes into larger zipper storage bag with a washcloth. Soap kit! I have substituted cotton, not paper, shop towels (as washcloths) bought in bulk from Home Depot and laundered them. The clients can stow kits for future use.
The Refuge staff is willing to assemble kits if "fixings" are provided. This would be a good project for schools, churches, clubs, etc. which are now collecting gloves, scarves, mittens, hats, for charitable organizations. Deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste and tooth brushes are always needed. There is a convenient donation drive-thru.
Patricia Shemenski, North Canton
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Letter to the editor: Help the homeless
