Event donations to help fight hygiene poverty in community

NEW MILFORD, Conn. — A silent crisis is happening across the country. New Milford is not immune.

Many families and seniors are facing hygiene poverty. This occurs when an individual cannot afford the basic supplies to stay clean and healthy for oneself and others. 

For many, soap, laundry detergent and a toothbrush and toothpaste are on the shopping list and are purchased.

But it’s not as easy for some individuals and families that live paycheck to paycheck or are facing financial hardship. Acquiring hygiene products may be a low priority because other essentials such as housing costs, utilities, and food take precedence. 

Unfortunately, studies have shown “that a lack of access to basic hygiene products can lead to significant physical, social, and emotional challenges for families, including increased health risks, difficulties in school or work, and feelings of shame or isolation,” according to resident Katy Francis, a member of the Rotary Club of New Milford and community impact coordinator for the New Milford office of the United Way of Central and Western Connecticut. 

The local Rotary club and office of UWCWC are co-sponsoring a “Help to Reduce Hygiene Poverty” campaign to help those in the community gain access to these hygiene products.

A drive-up and drop-off event to receive donations will be held March 15 from 9 a.m. to noon at the John Pettibone Community Center on Pickett District Road. 

In addition, donations can be dropped off at the mayor’s office at Roger Sherman Town Hall, 10 Main St., Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hygiene poverty is a complex matter closely tied to social and economic factors. Lack of access to, and use of, hygiene products can lead to a decline in physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

“Lack of access to basic hygiene products can lead to feeling self-conscious, social rejection or bullying, especially in children from poorer families,” Francis added. “Children and young people may miss school, sports or other activities due to a lack of access to menstrual products or other hygiene needs.”

Hygiene poverty comes with an increased risk for disease and infection, many of which can be prevented with hygiene products. 

New Milford Social Services Director Ivana Butera reported the number of individuals and families that seek food assistance through the town’s food bank has increased by  25 percent. In 2024, it fed more than 2,300 people and the frequently of weekly visits “soared.”

“We try to offer hygiene products once a month at the food bank because these are the hardest items to receive through donations because of cost,” Butera said. “Many low to moderate income households have a hard time with their grocery budget when they need to add in the purchase of non-food items such as infant/toddler diapers, deodorant, laundry detergent, etc.”

“In addition, those persons of the lowest income, such as a senior on a fixed income of Social Security and receiving SNAP, cannot use SNAP funds to purchase non-food items including toilet paper, shampoo, etc.,” she explained. “And with the rising cost of food items and increases in housing costs, decisions of what to buy to fulfill their basic needs is becoming increasingly challenging.”

A research project commissioned by Feeding America compiled the following data among low-income households in America:

•  33% of low-income families report bathing without soap when they can't afford body wash.
• 32% report reusing diapers.  
• 74% of low-income families who can’t afford household necessities skip laundry or washing dishes. Of this number, 63% will wash the children’s clothes only to put their child’s needs first.
• 50% of low-income families worry about meeting their children’s hygiene needs.
• 73% of low-income households cut back on food expenses to afford hygiene products.

In addition, some recent studies have shown that limited access to hygiene items impacts those with post-partum depression, a disorder that can develop after giving birth. Persistent feelings of sadness and/or anxiety may interfere with a new mother’s daily life and her ability to care for a new baby. 

Lack of diapers, for example, can contribute to that stress.

Francis suggested to the club the idea of holding a campaign such as this to bring positivity and products to help individual and families that are experiencing – or soon may experience – hygiene poverty.

Both Rotary and the United Way are nonprofit organizations focused on community service and improving people's lives by mobilizing volunteers, donors and addressing basic needs, Francis explained.

“Both organizations serve communities globally promoting hunger, poverty and education through partnerships and initiatives,” she said. “And Rotary has the distinction as the only nonprofit with a permanent seat at the United Nations.

Butera said the United Way and Rotary have long recognized the need for hygiene items in the community.

“They have responded compassionately to our neighbors in financial need by running this yearly hygiene drive,” she said. “We are very grateful to their efforts.”  

Among the items requested are deodorant, toothpaste, disposable razors, shaving cream, laundry detergent, tampons, sanitary pads, and other women’s hygiene products, and baby diapers (sizes 4, 5, 6, and 7). Other products are also appreciated.

For more information, contact Katy Francis at 860-354-8800, or email katy.francis@unitedwaycwc.org or info@nmrotary.org.