TrueNorth Community Services held a hygiene item drive in Oceana County throughout November for Homeless Awareness Month. This drive collected essential hygiene items, raising awareness for individuals experiencing homelessness and working towards housing in West Michigan.
TrueNorth collected 4,919 items in the five counties where they provide homeless solutions, with 1,500 items coming from Oceana County alone.
Boxes were available to collect donations at partnering community locations, such as: Cherry Hill Super Market, District Health Department #10, Hansen Foods, Hart Area Public Library, Klotz Auto Parts in Hart and Shelby, Northwest Michigan Health Services in Shelby, Pentwater Township Library and Shelby Area District Library.
Items such as soap, razors, toothpaste, feminine products, deodorant, nail clippers and other personal hygiene supplies were collected. The Pentwater Township Library even held a “Community Cranking Event” where participants learned the basics of circular knitting, making 38 knitted hats to donate. All of the collected items will be distributed directly to individuals experiencing homelessness.
“Community involvement during Homelessness Awareness Month truly makes a difference. The donated hygiene items helped people feel seen, supported and respected during some of their hardest moments,” says Lisa Reinecke, TrueNorth’s Homeless Solutions Director. “It’s not just about meeting needs—it’s about showing compassion and reinforcing that everyone’s dignity matters. You all stepped up this year, and it meant so much!”
