Woodbridge, Va. –– For those living in the woods, in transitional housing, or for those who don’t know where they’ll sleep tonight, small donations really add up.
The AfterShare program at the Volunteers of America Chesapeake Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center (always a mouthful) is collecting shampoo, toiletries and other small, everyday items many people may not even think to donate.
The collection is part of VOA’s 15 Days of Giving drive, which urges residents to donate to the organization before the Dec. 31 federal deadline.
While clothes and cash are always welcome donations, the shelter in Woodbridge is always in need of ethnic hair products and deodorant.
“These donations are important because our residents want to look their best for potential interviews and we want them to save all the money they can while staying with us. So any and all self-care toiletries and similar products for both adults and children are very appreciated and always put to good use,” said AfterShare program coordinator Gayle Sanders.
Each person who stays at the center is provided with toiletries.
When travel-size bottles of shampoo or other toiletries are donated and they have too many, organizers at the Woodbridge shelter share them with the Prince William County Winter Shelter, the county’s Drop-in warming shelter and other shelters in surrounding counties.
It’s easy to make a donation. Simply head over to the Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center on U.S. 1 in Woodbridge to drop off your items.
You can also make an online donation to the organization by going to their website and clicking on Give A Gift.
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