CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — The Champaign Salvation Army is looking to help this need in high schools across the county. This year, they are holding their first ever hygiene drive for high school students.
"I'm not really sure what we have available here," shared Sophomore, Joanne Bross. Bross isn't the only high school student who isn't sure about the hygiene resources at her high school.
"In our research, we found that it was an area of need," explained Champaign County Corps Officer, Kenyon Sivels. "We're very hopeful that it goes well and very hopeful that it gets to the kids who need it."
Sivels shared how there is a shortage in supplying hygiene products for high school students. After years of holding backpack drives, this is a new type of drive for the organization.
Students at Champaign Central High School are excited to hear that this need is being addressed in their area.
"There are some kids who don't know what they need to use, and don't have enough money to get them," said freshman, Julissa Jones.Â
The hygiene drive is aiming to collect items like lotion, disposable razors, feminine hygiene products, and hand sanitizers. For many students entering high school, these items might be already part of their daily routine. The Champaign Salvation Army hopes to fill the gap for those who don't have access to these items each day.
"If we are able to provide a little bit of the hygiene items for some of those families, they can focus their energies on other items of need for their families," Sivels said with a smile.
The goal is to collect enough items to cover 250 boys and 250 girls before the next school year begins.
To see a list of resources they are looking for, click here.Â
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