Time and time again we hear teachers and social workers tell us that personal hygiene and clean clothing are major issues among the neediest children in our schools. These students feel like outsiders and withdraw from their classmates. We know that not having food, clean clothes, or basic hygiene items obstructs children’s ability to learn and thrive.
Obtaining personal hygiene products can be a huge challenge. They are expensive and buying them can shift money away from other important purchases like food and transportation. In addition, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits do not cover these products. That’s why we are creating a Personal Care Pantry to include laundry detergent and hygiene products.
Kids feel embarrassed but they really come out of their shell when they get the basics and feel ‘normal’ again.”
The Need
- “Diaper need is also associated with a stigma that may be even deeper than needing food assistance.”
- Abused/neglected, foster, homeless and refugee children are often removed from their homes with only the clothes on their backs.
- Inadequate personal hygiene and clothing can be one part of a sad equation that leads children to miss school and have behavioral and academic problems.
Our Approach
- We provide personal care items to children ages 0-17 in Guilford County.
- BPB’s Personal Care Pantry will take the burden off teachers and social workers that purchase these items.
- Our organization is 95% volunteer run. Our pantry is managed by the generous support of BPB volunteers.
Do you need personal care items at your Guilford County school or facility?
Items stocked include:
- diapers
- deodorant
- feminine hygiene pads
- shampoo
- soap/body wash
- toothpaste
- toothbrush
- washcloths
- lotion
- hairbrushes/combs
- laundry detergent
