Small Things Can Mean a Lot

Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless (also known as “IPH”) is a well-respected provider of services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Albany. First Pres was one of the founding congregations that established IPH several decades ago, and we have supported them steadily over the years. IPH treats its guests with dignity, respect, and kindness.

IPH has asked if First Pres could help them meet a significant need: the production of 50 “Health & Hygiene Kits” by the end of the month of March. To achieve this goal, the Outreach & Mission Committee needs our congregation’s help.

When guests arrive at the IPH emergency or drop-in shelters, they receive a “health & hygiene kit.” The kit includes toiletry items that a person needs to get cleaned up—something that can be very hard to do when a person is unhoused. Each kit includes the following (all travel-sized unless otherwise noted):

• Deodorant
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush (regular size)
• Bar of soap OR travel size body wash
• Shampoo OR 2-in-1 hair care product
• Shaving cream
• Disposable razor
• Lotion or Vaseline (high need for these)
• Comb/brush (smaller size)
• Nail clippers (regular size)
• Chocolate bar or candy treat

The Need:   Please purchase a few of the items on this list (or find them in your medicine cabinet from past hotel stays). Consider adding one or two of the items to your grocery list each week. Then, please bring them to church with you and place them in the bin labeled “IPH Health & Hygiene Kit Items” in Assembly Hall.

Timing:      Please bring your donated items to church on or before Sunday,

                     March 24.

Assembly:  We will form a Health & Hygiene Kit assembly line after worship on Sunday, March 24^th during our fellowship time.

Goal:          Make 50 Health & Hygiene Kits for delivery to IPH by Easter.