AAA South Jersey is once again collecting unopened, complimentary toiletries that travelers receive from hotels and will donate them to Volunteers of America for use at local shelters as part of its “Soap for Hope” campaign.
Donations are being accepted at AAA South Jersey offices in Voorhees, Sewell, Millville and Logan Township. This is the second time that AAA South Jersey has hosted this campaign; the first being in 2011.
Collected items will be given to VOA Delaware Valley’s Housing and Supportive Services Division’s three family emergency shelters: Agape House in Somerville; Anna Sample Complex in Camden; and the Eleanor Corbett House in Glassboro. Two VOA men’s shelters — Amani House in Trenton and the Aletha R. Wright “Vision of Hope” Center in Camden — and the “Home for the Brave” House for veterans in Camden, will also receive collected items.
“We encourage anyone who has traveled recently, or people planning on traveling in the near future, to donate their travel-size, personal hygiene items,” said Rich Bradley, AAA South Jersey’s public affairs specialist. “These small items, like soap, shampoo and lotion, can make a big difference to people forced from their homes. We are proud to partner with VOA and to assist them with the good work that they do in helping people in our community who are going through a difficult time.”
Items being collected include soap, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, shaving supplies, hand sanitizers, and more. People also are encouraged to donate any travel-sized items they may have purchased, but have not used.
The focus of VOA’s Housing and Supportive Services program is the development of independence and self-sufficiency. The goal is to address the specific needs of each individual to help him or her overcome the factors that led to homelessness.
As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 54 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.
