Hygiene kit collection to benefit Ukraine refugees

Hygiene kit collection to benefit Ukraine refugees&emsp;&emsp;Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and City of Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey have announced a hygiene kit drive to benefit those impacted by the crisis in Ukraine. The collection, beginning on Monday, April 18, and running through Friday, April 29, will collect hygiene kits and items for those hygiene kits that will be assembled, shipped, and then distributed to refugees and others impacted by the crisis. Brother's Brother Foundation is partnering with the county and city on this collection and will coordinate shipping of the hygiene kits.&emsp;&emsp;"One thing about western Pennsylvanians and Pittsburghers, we come together and help folks in need," said Fitzgerald. "There is a huge number of people of Ukrainian heritage here in western Pennsylvania and we have been asked over and over what can be done to help those in Ukraine. Coordinating this drive for hygiene kits is just one small way to have a big impact and we are grateful to everyone who has committed to participating."&emsp;&emsp;As individuals continue to flee their homes in the Ukraine, one of the greatest needs is just basic hygiene items. Because the kits are also small, fitting into a one-gallon closeable plastic bag, they can also be carried with individuals fairly easily.&emsp;&emsp;"The people of Pittsburgh are proud to do all that they can to support those in need in Ukraine," said Gainey. "These hygiene kits are essential supplies for everyone who has had to flee their homes because of this unjust war. By coming together as one community, we are able to provide these kits to all who need them, and Pittsburgh will continue to stand with you during this time of crisis. Thank you to everyone in our community that has worked to make this happen – and to everyone who will participate."&emsp;&emsp;Residents can drop off full hygiene kits (preferred) or items that can be assembled into the kits. Kits will be shipped overseas, so all liquid items should be sealed with packing tape. The kits should NOT include aerosols or powders, and money or notes should also not be put in the kits.&emsp;&emsp;Each hygiene kit should include:Deodorant (travel size, no larger than 3.4 ounces)Shampoo (travel size, no larger than 3.4 ounces)Conditioner (travel size, no larger than 3.4 ounces)Body wash (travel size, no larger than 3.4 ounces)Lotion (no larger than 3.4 ounces)Hand Sanitizer (travel size, no larger than 3.4 ounces)Toothpaste (travel size, no larger than 3.4 ounces)ToothbrushChapstick (1.5 inches in length/ 0.5 inch in diameter)Flushable wipes (travel size)Tissues (travel size)TamponsSanitary pads&emsp;&emsp;Also accepted are items included in the list above which will be assembled for donation.&emsp;&emsp;A map of all collection sites can be found at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/b272af175dcb4a3cb76e0f3608f913ee/page/Drop-off-Locations/. The map is being updated on an ongoing basis so please return to it often to identify locations near you.&emsp;&emsp;Organizations and entities interested in being a collection site can fill out a short form to have their location added to the map. To be considered as a site, organizations must be willing to: Collect donations (organization would provide the box for the collection of kits and items);&emsp;&emsp;Be placed on the Donation Drop-off Map;&emsp;&emsp;Promote the donation drive;&emsp;&emsp;Transport the collected items to Brother's Brother Foundation by 4 p.m. on May 2nd.&emsp;&emsp;"The earliest immigrants from the Ukraine settled in this region to work in our mills, providing labor to our large industries and working to provide for their families. Generation after generation, they have worked to building this region and are still a proud part of our workforce today," said Darrin Kelly, President of the Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council. "It is only fitting that our many unions are part of this effort. We are proud to stand by and work with County Executive Fitzgerald and Mayor Gainey to benefit Ukraine."&emsp;&emsp;For additional information, to find a printable list of items, or to sign up to be a donation site, visit alleghenycounty.us/ukrainedonations&emsp;&emsp;For those wishing to help in other ways, financial donations are also accepted by Brother's Brother. Credit card donations can be made at www.brothersbrother.org, by choosing Ukraine Relief in the dropdown menu. Checks should be made payable to Brother's Brother Foundation and sent to Brother's Brother Foundation, P.O. Box 645934, Pittsburgh, PA, 15264-5257. Please note Ukraine Relief in the memo field.