OSHKOSH, WI — The Family Radio Network's 91.9FM announces its annual Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive, running February 23 through March 16, 2025. This community-wide initiative aims to collect new hygiene and cleaning supplies for local crisis agencies and organizations serving the Oshkosh community.

The drive addresses a critical need, as hygiene and cleaning products are not covered by Wisconsin FoodShare (SNAP benefits). All donations will remain in the Oshkosh community, benefiting eight community organizations including Advocap, Bella Medical Clinic, COTS Oshkosh, Father Carr's, Oshkosh Area Community Pantry, Read Elementary School, The Salvation Army, and Tiny House Village.

"We've seen the need in our community continue to grow each year," says John Nieman, Oshkosh Coordinator - Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive. "These essential hygiene items help restore dignity and confidence to individuals and families facing challenging circumstances. Having access to basic personal care items can make a tremendous difference in someone's ability to maintain employment, attend school, and feel a sense of self-worth."

Urgently needed NEW items include:

  • Cleaning supplies (bleach, dish soap, disinfectant cleaner)
  • Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissue)
  • Personal care items (soap, deodorant, shampoo)
  • Dental care products
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Baby care items
  • Laundry detergent
  • First aid supplies

Community members can donate new, unopened items at collection boxes located at over 60 local businesses and churches, including all Festival Foods and Walgreens locations.

Following the end of the collection drive, items are sorted, inventoried, and distributed. For the past several years Valley Christian has served as the main collection site for this process. The efforts of their staff and students have been invaluable in ensuring the success of this initiative. This year, Valley Christian will once again serve as a key partner in the drive. Their continued commitment to serving the Oshkosh community is greatly appreciated.

The Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive supports over 130 crisis programs across 22 Wisconsin communities. For more information, visit thefamily.net or call 800-236-9364. For information about the Oshkosh campaign, contact John Nieman at 920-279-9873 or jnieman@appletoncots.org.