Demand For Harborough’s Hygiene Bank Increases

More and more people are relying on Market Harborough’s Hygiene Bank for basic essentials.

The cost-of-living crisis has seen demand on the voluntary service increase during the past six months, with people struggling to afford everyday items like deodorant, shampoo and toothpaste.

Last year it supported around 500 people in the town and expects to surpass that number by the end of 2023.

This week is National Hygiene Week and the charity, which works with schools, housing associations and others to reach people in need, is urging people to continue to donate items at drop off points at various locations.

Judy Rowley, the co-ordinator of the charity’s base in Market Harborough, told HFM the current cost of living has created a perfect storm:

Volunteers from the Hygiene Bank in Market Harborough

Currently, The Hygiene Bank most urgently needs men and women’s deodorants, disposable razors and shaving gel, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair products including scrunchies, hair ties, brushes and combs as well as household surface cleaners.

Donations of luxury items like make-up and nail varnish are also gratefully received as are donations of household cleaning products.

Donations, which must be unused and unopened, can be left at the designated donation points in the following locations in Market Harborough:

Boots, St Mary’s Place

Specsavers, St Mary’s Place

Sainsbury’s, Springfield Street

Co-op, Coventry Road

Welland Park Academy

Great Bowden Primary Academy

Ridgeway Primary Academy

Market Harborough Church of England Academy

Farndon Fields Primary School

Monetary donations are also accepted via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thehygienebankharborough