If you’re looking for a way to make a difference in your community, donating to the Rock Island Public Library (RIPL) Community Comforts Drive could be a start. The drive runs all February, with multiple donation locations available.
If you’re looking for a way to make a difference in your community, donating to the Rock Island Public Library (RIPL) Community Comforts Drive could be a start. Offered in collaboration with city partners from the Rock Island Parks & Recreation Department and The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, the RIPL drive will collect personal care and non-food donations during February.
Donated personal care, cleaning, hygiene, and household supplies will be distributed to Heart of Hope Outreach Center and the Rocky Resource Room at Rock Island High School.
Access to these costly items can be difficult for some community residents, says drive coordinator Karrah Kuykendall, Rock Island Public Library Adult Services director. “Times are tough, and some in our community are struggling to afford these basic necessities. We are always so impressed by our community’s sense of caring and willingness to help others. Your generosity really makes a difference.” Last year’s drive collected nearly 1,400 items.
Bright pink donation boxes are available until March 1 at the following locations:
- Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street
- Rock Island Library Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road
- Rock island Library Watts-Midtown Branch, 2715 30th Street
- Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center, 4303 24th Street
- The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 630 9th Street, Rock Island
Examples of items needed include shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, soaps, toilet paper, toothpaste, new socks, laundry detergent, diapers, and more. Full wish list below.
Heart of Hope Ministries operates a community outreach office at 1740 9th Avenue, Rock Island, that offers a drop-in food pantry and weekly homebound delivery option. For details, contact Heart of Hope at (309) 428-4752. The Rocky Resource Room, located at Rock Island High School, provides a discreet, no-judgment way for high school, junior high, and elementary school students and families to pick up food, needed clothing, personal care supplies, and hygiene items.
Community Comforts Drive Wish List
- Hair products, shampoo, conditioner
- Body wash/soap
- Deodorant/antiperspirants
- Lotion
- Razors
- Menstrual hygiene products
- New Undergarments/socks
- Laundry soap
- Household cleaning products
- Paper products
- Diapers and baby wipes
- Dental care
- Personal care wipes
- Sanitizer wipes