Neighborhood Bridges has launched its personal care item and undergarment drive to cover 54 schools in the communities of Westerville, Dublin, Gahanna, Hilliard, and Worthington. This marks the third year in Westerville of offering these items to students in need. Pantries include male and female deodorant, soap, body wash, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, belts, combs and brushes.
In addition, they are collecting new packs of underwear and socks as follows:
- If your last name starts with A-F, young girls’ sizes small, medium, large and XL
- If your last name starts with G-L, female sizes small, medium, large and XL
- If your last name starts with M-R, young boys sizes small, medium, large and XL
- If your last name stats with S-Z, young men sizes small, medium, large and XL
Items can be dropped off at Roush Honda, at the Westerville Fire Station located at 400 West Main Street, or at April Schaad State Farm Insurance, 309 South State Street.
Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated, and can be made through PayPal (https://tinyurl.com/NB-Cares) or Neighborhood Bridges (https://www.neighborhoodbridges.org/).
Last year, according to Rick Bannister, Chief Believer at Neighborhood Bridges, the community “really stepped up” and donated nearly 3,000 items. Eighty pairs of male and female undergarments and 80 pairs of male and female socks were given to all three high schools, all four middle schools, and the district’s Academic Enrichment Center. About 10 elementary schools received donations as well. In total, approximately 720 students in need were served. Bannister characterized the community’s response as, “Amazing, but not at all surprising.”
Bannister hopes to exceed the number of donated items last fall so his organization can provide needed undergarments to children in all of Westerville City Schools’ 23 buildings.