If you’re grateful for your own blessings this November, the Rock Island Public Library is offering a way to pay that spirit forward. The Library’s “Community Comforts” drive will collect for two Rock Island pantries through December 4.
If you’re feeling the November spirit of gratitude for your own blessings, the Rock Island Public Library is offering an easy way to give to people in need. The Library’s “Community Comforts” drive will collect donations of household supplies and personal care items through December 4.
Collected items will be distributed to Heart of Hope Outreach Center and the Rocky Resource Room at Rock Island High School. “Personal care and hygiene items, paper products, cleaners, and other basic items are always in high demand, because they are products people use every day,” says Karrah Kuykendall, Rock Island Reference Librarian. “You can help by just picking up an extra item or two when you shop.”
Community Comforts donation boxes are available through December 4 at the Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th Street, and the Rock Island Southwest Library, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Donations will also be accepted at any Rock Island Library2Go bookmobile route. Bookmobile Schedule,
Library staff will package donations for pick up by the two benefiting organizations. Heart of Hope Ministries operates a community outreach office at 1740 9th Avenue, Rock Island. They offer a drop-in food pantry on Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 pm, and a weekly homebound delivery option for those that are shut-in or lack transportation. For details about the delivery schedule, 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. “When you worry about meeting basic needs, it’s hard to concentrate on learning. Every little bit helps,” said Kuykendall.
A drive last February at Rock Island locations collected more than 1,300 items. “We certainly hope to meet or surpass that level this time. We’re always amazed by our community’s huge sense of generosity and capacity to give,” she added.
For ideas on what to donate, see the wish list below. For more information, visit the library website or call 309-732-7341.
Community Comforts Drive Wish List
- Body Wash
- Deodorant
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Hair Products
- Lotion
- Makeup
- Razors
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- New Undergarments
- New Socks
- Laundry Soap
- Cleaning Products
- Paper Products
- Oral Hygiene Items
- Sanitizer Wipes