Updated 2:02 p.m. 1/16/22
The event has been postponed until 9 a.m. until noon Tuesday because of the possibility of icy roads Monday morning.
Original post
Many take the holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a day to give back to the community.
“A Day On, Not a Day Off” is a slogan many individuals and community organizations adopt on the holiday, and the CSRA AmeriCorps VISTAs have one way that might be small but is significant, according to Madison Clements, AmeriCorps VISTA coordinator.
The organization will hold a toiletries drive from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Jan. 17 at the Salvation Army Kroc Center on Broad Street.
[adrotate banner=”55″]
“It’s really good for community involvement. Not everyone has the resources to give a lot of money,” she said.
The goal is to collect enough travel-sized toiletries to give out hygiene bags to 2,000 households in the area.
Some of the most needed items include travel-sized hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, facial wipes, soap, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, a news release said.
After the drive, the hygiene bags will be distributed to other non-profit agencies. In the past, they’ve gone to charities such as SafeHomes of Augusta, St. Stephen’s Ministry, Hope House, Salvation Army, Bridge Ministries and the Augusta Rescue Mission, she said.
“Our mission is to eliminate poverty in America,” said Clements of her organization.
For those who can’t drop the items off during that three-hour time slot, donations can be dropped off at the United Way of the CSRA offices through Friday, she added.
Also, the Salvation Army is having its annual winter coat drive.
[adrotate banner=”15″]
“Our founder, William Booth, once said that it is impossible to comfort men’s hearts with the love of God when their feet are perishing with cold,” said Capt. Jonathan Raymer, the Augusta Area commander of the Salvation Army. “Right now, we want to keep people warm. We need to get coats to our neighbors.”
In addition to new or “gently-used coats,” hats, gloves, scarves, socks and miscellaneous winter outerwear” are needed.
Donations will be accepted at all Salvation Army locations through Feb. 7.
Drop-off points include The Salvation Army of Augusta Kroc Center, 1833 Broad St.; The Salvation Army Center of Hope, 1384 Greene St.; The Salvation Army Family Store, 1751 Knox Ave., North Augusta; The Salvation Army Family Store, 2231 Harrison Rd. S.E., Thomson; and The Salvation Army Donation Center, 3715 Benchmark Drive.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Managing Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
