News Photo by Darby Hinkley The 2nd Annual Dignity Drive is going on now through Feb. 7 at Star Staffing in Alpena. Pictured, holding donated hygiene items, are Holly Miller of Star Staffing, Dignity Drive Chair Laurel Nowak, Jaiden Tudor with Star Staffing, and Dignity Drive Co-chair Pam Richardson with Star Staffing.

ALPENA — Hygiene supplies are being collected now through Feb. 7 for the 2nd Annual Dignity Drive for youth in need. Items are being collected from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at Star Staffing, 537 W. Chisholm St., Alpena.

Dignity Drive Chair Laurel Nowak said she was amazed with the community’s support last year. Star Staffing’s Pam Richardson is the co-chair of the drive.

“This is our time as a community to provide much-needed personal hygiene products for youth in need throughout our area,” Nowak said. “Last year, we were able to provide much-needed items to the School Success Programs at Thunder Bay Junior High School and Alpena High School as well as donating to the Foster Closet of Northern Michigan.”

Personal hygiene is a basic human need. Many homeless and low-income children do not have the hygiene products they need for self-care. This causes many problems such as social rejection, illnesses, and missed days of school.

Items are needed for both boys and girls. No razors, please. Here is a list of suggested items: Feminine hygiene products, deodorant, body spray, string bags or ditty bags, hand and body lotion, chapstick, soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and toothbrushes.

“Last year, I was blown away by the amount of participation,” Nowak said, adding that she hopes to receive more donations between now and Feb. 7.

She said many youth in our community need hygiene items, but they may not be able to afford them.

“I just know there are so many kids that go without,” Nowak said. “It breaks my heart to even think about it.”

Nowak said the School Success worker at Alpena High School told her that the products they donated from last year’s Dignity Drive almost lasted into this school year.

“He was very grateful for everything that we did last year,” Nowak said.

She appreciates the community for helping to provide for our youth in need.

If you have questions about the 2nd Annual Dignity Drive, call Star Staffing at 989-356-2999.

Reach Darby Hinkley at dhinkley@thealpenanews.com, or call 989-358-5691.