A message from Maple Hill senior Evan Fink about his project:
For my National Honor Society Project, I am putting together care packages to be distributed to homeless people in the Capital Region.
People become homeless for many reasons which may include fleeing domestic violence, sexual abuse, loss of a job, or often a combination of these all at the same time.
We all see homeless people at some point on the street asking for money, but what is it spent on? Unfortunately, these people in their times of strife and poverty sometimes turn to vices such as drugs and alcohol to try to cope with their suffering. About 70% of money handed out to homeless people on the street will end up being spent in liquor stores or in the pockets of drug dealers. This is why homeless shelters across the nation are promoting giving care packages rather than money to the homeless population!
There will be boxes in the CES and MHHS lobbies for items that can be packed up and handed out by shelters in the Capital Region.
The collection will end on Friday May 31.
These are the items that I am asking for:
- Gallon sized Ziploc Bags
- New Refillable Water Bottles
- Granola Bars
- Fruit Snacks
- Applesauce cups
- Maxi Pads/Tampons (#1 most sought after item)
- Toothbrushes/Toothpaste
- Chapstick
- New Socks and Underwear (they aren’t sold in thrift stores)
- Bandaids
- Deodorant
Any other Items you see fit to give!
What to avoid:
- Old clothes
- Hand Sanitizer
- Cough Drops
- Mouthwash
- Cash
- Sticky Foods
- Expiring food
Thanks so much for your support!