The Hygiene Bank launches Christmas campaign to combat hygiene poverty

Hygiene poverty can often be overlooked when we donate to vulnerable communities

A community initiative supporting those struggling with hygiene poverty has launched their Christmas collection campaign.

The Hygiene Bank provides hygiene and personal care products to those living in poverty in Ireland. Their #ItsInTheBag campaign encourages supporters to purchase essential and luxury toiletries and leave them at one of the many drop-off points in Dublin and Galway, so that they can be distributed to local charities.

The Hygiene Bank Ireland launched in November 2019, and operates four projects across the country. Since its launch, the Bank has distributed 45,000 hygiene items into local communities through charity links.

For those living in poverty, urgent necessities such as food, rent payments and bills often take priority over hygiene products and self-care. The Hygiene Bank aims to alleviate some of this stress and lend a hand to those in need.

Hygiene products can include anything from shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and toothpaste to shaving foam, laundry detergent, toilet roll and sanitary products for women.

Rosie McDonagh, the project coordinator of The Hygiene Bank Dublin, said: “We are asking people to help us bring some joy this Christmas to families in need by donating essential and luxury items such as shampoo, body wash, nappies, wipes, shaving cream and toiletry gift sets. We will fill and tailor each bag depending on who is receiving it and a Christmas card will be included. It is a heartfelt and practical present for those living through hygiene poverty this Christmas.”

From tomorrow (November 1) until December 4, there will be four ways for supporters to help The Hygiene Bank for Christmas.

1. Bring your donations of essential and luxury toiletries to one of the drop-off points listed on the Hygiene Bank’s Instagram pages.
2. You can make a monetary donation online
3. You can make a personalised donation from your workplace
4. If someone at home is in school or college and would like to help, you can organise a donation drive

In December, donations will be sorted and distributed to charity partners around Ireland.

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