DETROIT – Metro Detroit residents donated personal care items and money to support families and individuals served by Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries during Local 4’s August “Go 4 It” event, “Hygiene Basics.”
The campaign raised more than $5,848 in online donations, surpassing its $5,000 goal.
By late Wednesday (Aug. 19), volunteers had assembled more than 1,075 hygiene kits, with donations still coming in.
People donated items including deodorant, hairspray, shaving cream, towels, washcloths, water shoes, children’s socks and men’s socks.
Local organizations also contributed, including shoes from Lace Up Detroit, thousands of socks from the Motown Sole Foundation, and pillows, towels and sheets from Wayne County Commissioner Jonathan Kinloch.
Todd Catchpole drove from Macomb Township to donate personal care items.
“I picked up deodorant, hairspray, hair and shave cream, mostly toward the men,” Catchpole said.
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries serves about 2,400 people each day through its men’s, women’s and family shelters and programs.
Patricia Johnson, a DRMM resident and mother of four, said the hygiene kits are essential for her family.
“We have to use those every day,” Johnson said. “Whatever you need, they have it.”
DRMM CEO Dr. Chad Audi said the donations are going directly to Detroiters experiencing difficult circumstances.
“Imagine when you wake up in the morning, and you can’t brush your teeth, or you’re unable to bathe or change your undergarments,” Audi said. “This is how important those items are for the families who come to us.”
Audi said the kits help restore dignity for people working through challenging times.
Those who still want to help can donate directly to Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries at drmm.org.
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