Atlantic, Iowa: The Atlantic Public Library will be assembling personal hygiene kits to be distributed in the community. The library staff knows that it can be uncomfortable to ask folks to leave when their hygiene is affecting others’ enjoyment of the public space and that unexpected needs can happen away from home. These hygiene kits will make it easier to discreetly help those who may need it.
The library plans to make three types of kits containing travel size or disposable items that can fit in a small, zipped plastic bag. The general hygiene kit will include a comb or brush, shampoo, soap, washcloth or disposable body wipe, and deodorant. Feminine hygiene kits will have a wrapped tampon, a wrapped pad, and a disposable wipe. The mouth care kit will contain a toothbrush and toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and some mints.
You can support this effort by donating funds (cash or check) or items for the kits by September 14. You can also sign up to help sort and/or pack the kits on September 15 & 16 using the event registration on the library’s online calendar or by contacting the library.
This effort is being coordinated by the public libraries in Atlantic, Anita, and Griswold. Each library will be collecting donations and assembling hygiene kits for their community. For more information or if you have questions, please contact library director Michelle Andersen at 243-5466 ext. 3 or atlanticpubliclibrary@gmail.com.
This initiative is made possible through the Day of Service Training & Implementation Fund, a program coordinated by Volunteer Iowa and funded through AmeriCorps. This grant program is designed to build the volunteer capacity of local nonprofits and government organizations. Participating groups receive training in volunteer engagement, develop strategic volunteer management plans, and collaborate with other organizations, culminating in shared service efforts on and around September 11.
September 11th was designated a National Day of Service by Congress in 2009 and is led by AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteerism and national service. AmeriCorps partners with 911Day.org, the nonprofit that, along with 9/11 families, began the 9/11 Day observance more than a decade ago and engages hundreds of nonprofit groups, faith-based organizations, schools, and businesses nationwide.
About Atlantic Public Library
The Atlantic Public connects the community to information, resources, and each other in order to spark ideas and new connections.
About Volunteer Iowa
Volunteer Iowa, administratively housed within Iowa HHS, and its partner agencies work with organizations and individuals on three main fronts. The first is to help agencies develop quality programs that use service as a strategy to fulfill their missions and address Iowa’s greatest areas of need. The second is to help engage Iowans in their communities by promoting service and expanding the volunteer base. Finally, the third area of work is to connect individuals with appropriate service opportunities by building volunteer infrastructure. More information is available at volunteeriowa.org.
About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 185,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.
AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. AmeriCorps.gov/Serve.
