The Iowa 4-H State Council is calling on Iowans to join a statewide hygiene drive to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities, collecting essential personal care items for families in need through Monday, June 8th.
The initiative encourages donations of new, travel-size toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, razors, shaving cream, and mouthwash. Items can be dropped off at any Iowa State University Extension and Outreach county office across the state. Community members, businesses, and organizations are all encouraged to contribute.
Donations collected during the drive will be assembled into hygiene kits by youth delegates at the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference as part of a large-group service-learning experience. The completed kits will then be delivered to families staying at Ronald McDonald Houses across Iowa, providing comfort and care during what are often some of the most difficult times of their lives.
The project was identified by State 4-H Council members as an opportunity to address a real and tangible need while engaging young people across the state in meaningful service. Council members said even small items can have a significant impact when communities come together.
“We were inspired to choose a hygiene drive as this year’s service project because, as a committee, we wanted to choose something that can positively impact a variety of communities,” said state 4-H council member Marli Vanlaningham of Polk County. “These travel-sized items might seem small to most, but to the people who stay at the Ronald McDonald House, they are pieces of normalcy in times of change. The people who will use these bags will be able to utilize these items to feel calmer — it gives them one less thing they have to worry about.”
Vanlaningham also offered a simple way to think about the cost of giving. “Sometimes when it comes to buying things, I have to remind myself how I could help with that money,” she said. “Instead of a $7 drink, buy some travel-sized products. That drink will only last a few minutes, while the kindness of the donation will remain with the residents of the Ronald McDonald House.”
Other council members echoed the sentiment. “This project is a great way for clubs to come together and give back in a simple but powerful way,” said Anita Scholten, a council member from Warren County. “When each group contributes what they can, it adds up to something much bigger that supports families across Iowa.”
“One of the things we focus on in 4-H is pledging our hands to larger service,” said Emersen Gunzenhauser, a council member from Lucas County. “This is a great opportunity for young people to live out that pledge while providing essential items, comfort, and support to families when they need it most.”
The State 4-H Council is made up of 30 high school students who serve as ambassadors for the Iowa 4-H program, planning the annual Iowa 4-H Youth Conference, participating in professional development, and leading service initiatives that benefit communities statewide.
“This project reflects Iowa 4-H’s focus on service learning and developing compassionate, community-minded leaders,” said Erica Holliday, 4-H youth program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.
Donations must be new and travel-size. To find your nearest ISU Extension and Outreach county office or for more information on participating, visit the Iowa 4-H website or the ISU Extension and Outreach website.
