Submitted by the YWCA of Olympia
OLYMPIA—It’s not uncommon for workers of many companies to get the day off on Martin Luther King Day. But for thousands of volunteers across the county, the holiday is considered a “day on.” A local group of AmeriCorps members is hosting a “Community Wide Product Drive” for The YWCA’s Other Bank as part of a service project for Martin Luther King Day.
Members of the AmeriCorps group are in search of individuals and businesses and organizations to collect personal hygiene products, toiletries and cleaning supplies for The Other Bank. The Other Bank is a YWCA of Olympia program that distributes “essential needs” household items to more than 20,000 low-income individuals and families in Thurston, Mason and Lewis counties each year.
The drive takes place Monday, January 21st (Martin Luther King Day) at the YWCA’s Other Bank, 220 Union Ave. SE in Olympia. Groups may deliver product to The Other Bank beginning at 10 a.m. The drive goes throughout the afternoon.
The drive will be part of several simultaneous service projects being held nationwide honoring the Dr. King’s legacy of social justice and equality for all. In 1994—26 years after King was assassinated—Congress designated the holiday as a national day of service, according to the Corporation For National Community Service’s website.
Volunteers are also needed to sort product, stock shelves and assemble hygiene kits. The hygiene kits are part of the Thurston County Food Bank’s FORKids backpack program and are distributed to low-income children in several local school districts. New volunteers are also invited to take guided tours of The Other Bank, which will be given throughout the day. Kids are welcome to participate, but those younger than 12 should be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, call (360) 352-0593 or e-mail rthomson@ywcaofolympia.org. If you or your group is planning on shelving product or assembling hygiene kits, please RSVP at least a week in advance.
Items being collected: Dish and laundry detergents, sanitary pads, tampons, deodorant, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner, diapers, bar and hand soaps, razors, diapers, Pull-Ups, Adult Diapers (Depends, Poise) multi-purpose cleaners, sponges, toilet paper, tissue, paper towels
About The Other Bank:
- Since it opened in 1986, The Other Bank has served thousands of low-income individuals and families.
- About one-third of clients are children under the age of 13.
- The average monthly income for a family that visits The Other Bank is $650.
- The majority of items (95 percent) at The Other Bank come directly from individuals and community-sponsored product drives.
About the YWCA of Olympia
- Established in 1945, the YWCA of Olympia offers responsive programs and services to meet the needs of women, girls and families. We are inspiring a new generation to become strong leaders and advocates for opportunity and equity for all women. The YWCA of Olympia strives to empower women and eliminate racism through education, advocacy, service and leadership opportunities.
- The YWCA has worked to change history—from civil rights to women’s rights, from advocacy for women’s health care to an end to violence against women and girls.
- The YWCA is the voice for every woman. We speak out and take action on behalf of women and girls. The YWCA and our members and volunteers contribute time, talent, tenacity and financial support for the betterment of all women in our community.
