DAVENPORT, Iowa — The Salvation Army in Davenport is urgently calling on the community to help supply essential hygiene products to local families in need.
With critical items like shampoo, soap and toilet paper in short supply, the organization is facing a severe shortage that could impact families, especially as winter approaches.
Lucy Gates, a coordinator with the Quad Cities Salvation Army, highlighted the pressing issue.
“When it gets colder, funds have to be spread out a little bit more,” she said. She emphasized that rising utility costs further strain budgets, leaving less money available for hygiene products. “Utilities go up, and so they even have less money to be able to buy the hygiene products."
Gates, who has personal experience growing up in a large family, understands the challenge firsthand.
“Coming from a big family, I know we went with the food first,” she shared. This perspective underscores the difficult choices many families face when funds are limited.
The Salvation Army has exhausted its government grant funds, which were previously used to purchase hygiene products. Now, the organization relies solely on community donations, which are currently dwindling.
"The need for these supplies has quadrupled in recent months," Gates said. She stressed the importance of these items for maintaining basic living conditions and ensuring children go to school clean.
While we approach winter, the Salvation Army warns that some families may have to prioritize spending on food, housing and heating bills over hygiene products. With no remaining federal or state funding, the Salvation Army is turning to the community for support. “We need help from the community,” Gates said.
To assist, you can drop off hygiene supplies Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Salvation Army Center, located at 100 Kirkwood Blvd. in Davenport.
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