Written by Jay Reinke, AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison
The Health & Hygiene Drive helps more than 25 different agencies in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties. The products collected are often not included in any of the agencies budgets and yet desperately needed for their clients. Deodorant and body wash are two of the most requested items. Baby products such as diapers, baby wipes, and baby food are also in high demand.
Each year companies such as Northwestern Mutual and Master Lock hold drives in their own workplaces, to collect items. These items, along with those dropped off at local fire stations and United Way are combined and sorted at the Milwaukee Area Labor Council. If someone makes a monetary donation, that check is used to purchase additional hygiene products.
Once the items are divided out to the specific agency that requested them, that agency comes to pick up their items. Pick up day is a very busy and rewarding day. Each agency is very appreciative of the items they receive and continue to comment on how important the Health & Hygiene Drive is to their organization.