For the sixth year, the Kansas City Public Library’s AmeriCorps Programs is collecting donations of travel-sized personal care items for a hygiene kit drive as part of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is a defining moment each year when Americans across the country step up to make communities more equitable, underpin racial equity, expand civic opportunities, and foster respect for individual differences. Citizens will take action to build the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream.

From January 2 to 16, those wishing to help can visit any Kansas City Public Library location to drop off supplies in marked donation bins.

AmeriCorps members will assemble the donated items into kits on January 21, along with a copy of the award-winning Street Sheet.

Items being accepted for the kits include:

• Shampoo
• Body wash and soap
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Washcloths
• Combs and hair brushes
• Nail clippers
• Adhesive bandages
• Razors
• Lip balm
• Hand sanitizer (Hand sanitizer or alcohol-free hand sanitizer are preferred.)
• Laundry detergent (Sample size liquid laundry detergent)
• Lotion
• Baby wipes (Small packages for individual use)
• Q-tips

All items must be unopened and unused.

Want to give money so that the Library team can fill in the gaps from the donations? Donate at https://kclibrary.org/donate and include the 2025 hygiene drive in the comment box at the bottom or on the memo line of a check.

AmeriCorps is a federal agency that leads the annual MLK Day of Service, working with the King Center, thousands of nonprofit groups, faith-based organizations, schools, and businesses nationwide.

The MLK Day of Service spotlights service as a powerful force to bridge economic and social divides today and throughout the year.

Many communities will also engage in dialogue to explore ways to address important issues. National Days of Service provide each of us with an opportunity to join neighbors and local leaders to tackle community challenges and strengthen the nation.

For more information about the MLK Day of Service, visit AmeriCorps.gov/MLKDay.