Once again this year, the Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership of Frederick County (SHIP), an FCPS partner, is collecting hygiene items for students in need.
During the months of November and December, SHIP collects hygiene items for Frederick County’s homeless youth through collection bins hosted by businesses and organizations throughout Frederick County.
“We are appreciative of the many supports SHIP provides our students,” FCPS Superintendent Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson said. “This supply drive is a way the community can directly help families who are in need of basic supplies.”
In 2021, more than 12,000 pounds of supplies were collected and distributed to students in need.
“One of the top reasons our students stop attending school is that they don’t have access to items like laundry detergent, soap, and toothpaste,” said Melissa Muntz, Executive Director of the SHIP of Frederick County. “Proper hygiene is also an important part of staying healthy throughout the winter months. SHIP provides hygiene items to students experiencing homelessness to ensure that students can access an education, giving them the tools to succeed as they reach adulthood.”
Among the items needed:
- Bathing items (Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, shaving cream)
- Hair care items (Hair brushes, hair ties, hair accessories)
- Dental Items (Toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, lip balm)
- Other personal care items (Deodorant, lotion, personal hand sanitizer for backpacks, face wipes, feminine hygiene products, laundry detergent, toilet paper, cotton swabs, and adhesive bandages)
Drop-off locations are positioned throughout the county. For a full list of drop-off locations, visit the SHIP of Frederick County’s website.
The general community is also welcome to join efforts with donations at our Community Collection event on Tuesday, Dec 13, 2022 from 7:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. The collection site is located at the International Community Church of God, 123 Byte Drive, Frederick, MD 21702.
For additional information, contact Jeneen.Stewart@fcps.org, Supervisor of Student Supports.