Dedicating efforts toward helping the less fortunate and serving others were key principles in the messages espoused by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Speaking before an audience in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1957, he posed the question: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

In the spirit of the service embodied by Dr. King, the Kansas City Public Library’s AmeriCorps VISTA Project and Digital Corps are collecting donations of travel size personal care items for a Hygiene Kit Drive. Between January 3-12, 2023, visit any Kansas City Public Library location and bring supplies to drop off in dedicated boxes.

Donated materials will be assembled into kits that will be given to individuals experiencing life challenges in Kansas City. Items will be collected and packaged in resealable bags along with a copy of the Library’s Street Sheet.

Accepted kit items include:

• Shampoo
• Body wash and soap
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Washcloths
• Combs and hair brushes
• Nail clippers
• Adhesive bandages
• Razors
• Lip balm
• Hand sanitizer

NOTE: Travel size or small personal care items are requested, as they are best for including in the kits.