United Way, Recovery Coaltion to collect for Haitian students

By Palm Beach Busines.com

BOYNTON BEACH – In honor of the 6th Annual Florida Volunteer Month and National Volunteer Week (April 18-24), United Way of Palm Beach County and the Palm Beach County Disaster Recovery Coalition are collecting basic hygiene kits that will be given to Haitian students who have come to Palm Beach County since the devastating earthquake struck Haiti in January.

More than 400 students are now enrolled in Palm Beach County schools. Many came with little or no personal belongings. Hygiene kits have been identified as an immediate need.
The Disaster Recovery Coalition has released a list of 10 specific items that must be in each hygiene kit. The items must be new, regular store size. Travel size items and other items not listed below will not be accepted. Items for each kit include:

Toothbrush;  Toothpaste; Deodorant; Hairbrush/Comb; Shampoo & Conditioner; Bar soap; Razor and shaving cream; Nail file/nail clippers; Chapstick; Towel and washcloth; Crayons and coloring books for children (optional)

The hygiene kits will be distributed in backpacks that have been donated by the Office Depot Foundation.

United Way will accept the donated kits at its office on two days only: Friday, April 23, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and on Saturday, April 24, 9 a.m. – Noon. United Way’s office is located at 2600 Quantum Boulevard, Boynton Beach.

For driving directions, please visit www.unitedwaypbc.org; many internet mapping sites have incorrect driving directions.

In addition, community service hours will be given by United Way’s Volunteer Center to youth who collect a hygiene kit. To earn the credit, youth must collect a complete hygiene kit, with only the items listed. Items must be brand new and the proper size. The community service hours are accepted by Palm Beach County schools.

For additional information, please visit United Way’s Web site at www.unitedwaypbc.org or contact Laura Ray at (561) 375-6649 or lauranoel@unitedwaypbc.org