Open Door, a nonprofit program managed by Skip-a-Long Family and Community Services, focuses on helping individuals and families in Rock Island, Henry, and Mercer County who are in immediate need due to crisis. The program offers an on-site food pantry and clothing, but also works directly with local social service agencies to connect those in crisis with the services that can help give them a "hand up," not a handout. Whether it be a young mother who has recently left an abusive relationship, a man who is homeless after losing his job, or a family who is in need of transportation to school and work after a car accident, Open Door strives to be a one-stop program to get what is needed or to contact an agency that can meet the need of those in crisis.
Oftentimes, we forget that a family may have to choose between a loaf of bread and infant bath soap, or between a monthly medication and shampoo and toothpaste. Hygiene products can be expensive, but are important not only to the cleanliness of an individual but also to his or her self-esteem and self-worth. Imagine a middle-schooler walking into his classroom, not having had a shower in several days. The reactions by his classmates alone are a blow to the young child's confidence, and, experienced frequently, could lead the child to avoid and even dread going to school. Simply having the products necessary to be clean can make a world of difference to a person, and that is where we are calling on the community to help!
Open Door will be hosting a hygiene drive at two locations in Rock Island, and we invite everyone to take a few minutes to purchase one or two items so we may give them directly to individuals and families who would otherwise go without. Visit us at one of the locations listed below and make a positive impact on someone's life! For more details on the Open Door program, please visit www.salfcs.org/riopendoor
Hygiene Drives:
WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 12th, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
WHERE: Walgreens - 3100 - 11th St., Rock Island, IL and Walgreens - 2955 - 18th Ave, Rock Island, IL
WHAT IS NEEDED: Shampoo, body soap, washcloths or puffs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, men's and/or women's razors, shaving cream, baby shampoo, infant and toddler toothpaste and toothbrushes, etc.
