COLUMBUS, Ohio — Throughout Licking County, public high schools now feature Hygiene Hubs in partnership with United Way of Licking County (UWLC).
The initiative places stand-alone cupboards stocked with free and essential hygiene items, such as deodorant, shampoo, feminine hygiene products, toothpaste and laundry detergent. Students can then access these products that they may otherwise go without.
UWLC said the hubs can help meet critical and often overlooked needs, which can help children focus on their education, as studies show a lack of access to bare necessities is a leading contributor to chronic absenteeism. The organization said that this focus of the initiative will help benefit the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) demographic and unsheltered students.
In Licking County, the schools each have their own ALICE numbers:
- Newark City Schools - 52% Newark City
- Licking Valley Schools – 51% Mary Ann Township
- North Fork Schools (Utica) 45% Washington Township
- Heath City Schools – 42% Heath City
- C-TEC – All county students
- Northridge Schools – 35% Burlington Township
- Lakewood Schools – 37% Union Township
- Southwest Licking & Licking Heights Schools – 29% Pataskala City
- Johnstown – Monroe Schools – 19% Liberty Township
- Granville Schools – 20% Granville Township
The organization has partnered with area businesses and individuals to host hygiene drives in order to keep the program running. For more information, click here or call 740-345-6685.
Organizers are also accepting donations of hygienic products including: bar soap, body wash for men/women, shampoo, conditioner, dental floss, deodorant for men/women, brushes/combs, laundry detergent, pads/tampons, hand/body lotion, razors, shaving cream, toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash.
