Andover organizations are supporting Twin Rivers Food Pantry by assisting them with a month-long drive in May to collect much needed personal hygiene products to distribute to their shoppers. A general collection box can be found at The Andover Community Hub and at the Bachelder Library where you can drop items off all month long.

While food remains the primary mission of Twin Rivers Food Pantry, it has been discovered that access to dental health and personal hygiene products, laundry detergent and dish soap, tampons, and incontinence products for men and women are areas of need as well. Imagine not being able to clean your clothes to go to work or to send your kids to school! Imagine a shower without being able to clean your hair or not having a toothbrush! Imagine running out of clean underwear because of incontinence issues, or the extra laundry load to clean soiled bedding and clothing!

It is so easy to take these things for granted. People are making hard choices on how best to spend their money, and for many, personal hygiene items are a luxury. Hygiene items are not covered by the SNAP (Food Stamps) or WIC when shopping.

Some personal hygiene items are easier for the Pantry to obtain. The Food Pantry is asking area groups to help collect some of the harder and more expensive items:

Laundry Detergent – We are trying to be more environmentally conscious and are moving towards switching to laundry detergent sheets. Less use of plastic! They can be found in local grocery stores but are easily obtained online at Amazon.com and Walmart.com. We will continue to distribute plastic containers received as we work toward this important transition.

Tampons – Regular and/or Super

Incontinence Products – pads and Depends-type disposable underwear for Men and Women, and disposable incontinence pads for beds.

The following Andover organizations have agreed to support the drive: The Hub, the Andover Libraries, Andover Service Club, Andover Emergency Services Auxiliary, and the Staff at the Andover Elementary/Middle School. Everyone’s support is appreciated.

The Twin Rivers Food Pantry is located in the lower level of 2 Central Street in Franklin. It is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 – 11 AM, and Wednesdays from 5 – 7 PM. The Pantry provides nonperishable food items, fresh produce, frozen meat and deli items, dairy, baked goods, and now basic personal hygiene items to households from any area community and as often as assistance with food is needed. We are currently serving over 100 households each week.

Looking for a volunteer opportunity? The Pantry would welcome your involvement! Volunteer
applications are available on the Pantry’s website twinriversfoodpantry.org or call 603 934-2662 for more information.