Hygiene Products Needed for Kids in Iberia & Vermilion Parishes

Many times we can take simple necessities for granted. We may not think about going to one of the big-box stores and putting the family pack of deodorant in the cart because we can afford it.

For plenty of our children in Acadiana, their parents can struggle desperately with affording necessities like toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorants and combs, or even personal female hygiene products.

Right now the Acadiana Region of the Department of Health is hosting a drive to collect personal items for students in Iberia and Vermilion Parishes. Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tina Stefanski says that studies show then when kids have the basic necessities that they need they perform better in school.

Dr. Stefanski said in a press release,

We've identified a couple of middle schools in Iberia and Vermilion Parishes to start with and hopefully, we'll be able to expand. We're starting off small but it is certainly our hope that we'll have such a great response that we can share with all schools.

They are collecting items for boys and girls in middle school in these two regions.

The items they are requesting are the following brand-new items:

• Menstrual Pads
• Tampons
• Bars of soap for girls or boys
• Body wash for girls or boys
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Facial Cleanser
• Body wipes/baby wipes
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Lotion
• Deodorant or Antiperspirant
• Hair Combs
• Hair Brushes

If you have the means to purchase some of these items they can be dropped off at the following locations:

• The Iberia Parish Health Unit is located at 715B Weldon St. in New Iberia
• Any Iberia Parish Library location: Main Branch, St. Peter Branch, Parkview Branch, Coteau Branch, Jeanerette Branch
• The Vermilion Parish Health Unit is located at 2501 Charity St. in Abbeville
• Any Vermilion Parish Library locations: Abbeville Branch, Kaplan Branch
• The Christian Service Center at 7071 Chevis St. in Abbeville

Some kids just don't have some of the basics for personal hygiene.

Dr. Stefanski says the whole goal is to "reduce anxiety and improve self-esteem". 

The drive continues from now through September 15.