Working to help end hygiene poverty, volunteers have said that the demand for services offered by The Hygiene Bank has increased dramatically since the onset of the first lockdown in early March.
A community initiative giving hygiene and personal care products to those in need, The Hygiene Bank Ireland has just launched its new 'it's in the bag' Christmas campaign. Putting a call out for donations of
hygiene products, they're encouraging supporters to donate essential and luxury hygiene products this festive season.
Launching back in November of last year, The Hygiene Bank has distributed close to 45,000 hygiene items into local communities since then. Now with four different projects across the country, there are drop off points in both Dublin and Galway, with the aim being to alleviate the pressure of hygiene poverty on the most vulnerable members of our society.
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Speaking of the upcoming Christmas campaign, Rosie McDonagh, project coordinator of The Hygiene Bank Dublin detailed what exactly they're looking for.
"We are asking people to help us bring some joy this Christmas to families in need by donating essential and luxury items such as shampoo, body wash, nappies, wipes, shaving cream and toiletry gift sets.
"We will fill and tailor each bag depending on who is receiving it and a Christmas card will be included. It is a heartfelt and practical present for those living through hygiene poverty this Christmas."
Sharing a list of examples, below are some of the most-needed products for both men and women:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash
- Roll-on deodorant
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shaving foam and razor
- Sanitary products
- Wipes/tissues
- Mini toiletries
- Hand sanitiser
"We also ask people to include a luxury item, the aim of which is to provide a gift to someone who otherwise would not receive one.
"For women, we're asking for items like skincare products, body/hand lotion, hair masks etc.
"For men, we are asking hairstyling items, skincare products, beard sets etc. and then for rough sleepers, we are asking for combs/hairbrushes, hand warmers and rain ponchos."
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Commenting on what the reality of life is really like for some families, Rosie later added:
"The 'it's in the bag' campaign is a really great way to support families in need in Dublin. For some families, sharing a toothbrush and reusing dirty nappies is a reality. Receiving a bag full of essential and luxury toiletries will be a game-changer for these families."
Also speaking of the appeal, Rosie's colleague Ciára Dalton said:
"The Hygiene Bank is such a passion project of mine and I am honestly so grateful that I have something worthwhile to funnel my energy into during this strange time.
"Hygiene Poverty is a reality for many in Ireland - this means struggling to afford some of the everyday hygiene items that most of us take for granted.
"Christmas time can be especially stressful for those who struggle to afford the basics and to be able to provide such and give the gift of being clean, especially during the festive period is so important to us as a team
Anyone looking to support the initiative can do so by dropping off products to one of the regional collection points or by making a monetary donation to the project via the Hygiene Bank's
iDonate page.
Volunteers will be collecting products for the 'it's in the bag campaign' from November 1st to December 4th after which products will be sorted and distributed ahead of Christmas time.
Header image via Instagram/The Hygiene Bank Dublin/The Hygiene Bank Galway
