Long Beach-based nonprofit The Heart of Ida is hosting a Hygiene and Household Essentials Drive starting today to collect and distribute to low-income seniors the items they need to make it through the month, the nonprofit announced Thursday.

The drive will run through March 22 and encourage people to donate household and personal hygiene items that many take for granted, including toilet paper, “a coveted prize” at Long Beach Senior Center’s weekly BINGO games, according to The Heart of Ida.

For many low-income seniors, after paying rent and purchasing food, there is often little to no money left for these essential items.

“Volunteers at The Heart of Ida hear from seniors who are washing their hair, bodies, dishes, and clothing with dish washing liquid for lack of other supplies,” according to the release. “Says Long Beach senior, Patricia, ‘This is an excellent project. My extra money goes to paying my alcohol swabs and diabetic supplies. It is tough being on a fixed income.’”

Now through March 22, The Heart of Ida will be collecting donations of the following items:

  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Body Wash
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrush
  • Urinary Pads
  • Disposable Razors
  • Shaving Cream
  • Washcloths
  • Tampons
  • Toilet Paper
  • Laundry Detergent
  • Dish Soap
  • Kleenex
  • Lotion
  • Sponges
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Foil
  • Light Bulbs
  • Wipes
  • Band Aids
  • Brushes and Combs
  • Socks
  • Blankets

Those who wish to donate can drop off dry goods at the front desk of the Long Beach Senior Center, located at 1150 East 4th Street, Monday through Friday from 9:00AM to 3:00PM through March 21 or use The Heart of Ida’s curbside service on March 3 from 9:00AM to noon. The donations will be distributed to seniors in need at the Long Beach Senior Center on March 22 from 1:00PM to 3:00PM.

Learn more about The Hygiene and Household Essentials Drive and Heart of Ida here.

Asia Morris is a Long Beach native covering arts and culture for the Long Beach Post. You can reach her @hugelandmass on Twitter and Instagram and at [email protected].