The American Red Cross Central Pennsylvania Region has launched its annual Totes of Hope Program, with a new component.
In addition to collecting basic personal care items, which will be placed into Resiliency Backpacks and distributed to homeless veterans in the central Pennsylvania community, the Red Cross is also collecting items for Move-in Kits.
The Move-in Kits will be provided to formerly-homeless veterans who are transitioning into housing.
Items needed for Move-in Kits include:
- Pots and pans,
- baking sheet/dish,
- oven mitt,
- kitchen towels,
- plates, bowls, cups, etc.,
- cooking utensils,
- silverware,
- aluminum foil,
- plastic wrap,
- sandwich bags,
- shower curtain and shower curtain rings,
- bath towel,
- wash cloth,
- toilet paper,
- bed sheet set (full),
- pillow,
- blanket (small),
- clothing hangers,
- cleaning supplies (glass/surface cleaner, duster),
- mini/handheld broom and dustpan,
- paper towels,
- flashlight,
- simple tool kit or multi-tool,
- small liquid laundry detergent,
- small first aid kit, and
- 18-gallon plastic storage tote/bin.
Items needed for Resiliency Backpacks include:
- Socks (men’s size 9-11),
- fleece lap blankets,
- flashlights with batteries,
- pocket mirror,
- puzzle books,
- pens/notepads,
- sewing kits,
- adhesive bandages,
- triple antibiotic ointment,
- hydrocortisone cream,
- safety pins,
- cotton swabs,
- toothbrushes,
- lip balm,
- toothpaste,
- dental floss,
- mouthwash,
- deodorant,
- lotion (small bottle),
- shaving cream,
- hand sanitizer (travel size),
- body wash,
- kitchen towels,
- hand sanitizer, and
- sturdy backpack (at least 17″ deep and dark color).
Items will be collected from now until March 31. Donors are also encouraged to write a note of thanks to veterans that will be included in each of the totes.
For more information and dro-poff locations, visit http://rdcrss.org/2dyBbbD.
All questions concerning the Totes of Hope Program should be directed to Rosanne Pogash at rosanne.pogash@redcross.org or 717-234-3101, Ext. 1263.