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A few weeks ago, Amy Oralls approached her friend, Hayley Watts, asking for a little help. Not help for herself but for those in need. Knowing that Watts had a huge heart, just like herself, she was not at all surprised when Watts agreed.
"Not everyone is blessed with the simple necessities in life, at times. This is where the idea of building Care Kits came in." Oralls said. " A "Care Kit" is a portable bag that contains travel-sized food, basic toiletries, survival items and water. The basics that many individuals and families in crisis, may not be able to provide for themselves or their families." Oralls and Watts have collected many items by themselves, but are now inviting local residents and businesses of Oswego to contribute.
"It doesn’t have to be a large quantity of items; every little bit helps." said Oralls. The organization has received their first donations from the All Seasons Inn where Watts is currently employed. They have graciously donated enough shampoos, conditioners and soaps for the first 30 Care Kits.
Now the women are looking to obtain and fill the Care Kits with the additional items. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, feminine products, baby wipes, diapers, band-aids, bottled water, little snacks (wrapped items only), gloves, hand warmers and tissues are being sought. They are also in need of gallon sized "Ziploc" bags to fill with the items.
Oralls and Watts have made a Facebook Community page, “Care Kits of CNY”, to generate the awareness of their need for donations. If you would like to make a donation, you can contact them through this page and they will arrange for pickup or will let you know where you can drop off donations.
They hope to start with at least 30 Care Kits, which will be assembled and distributed by organization to local associations whose main purpose is to offer assistance to those in need, such as Human Concerns and the Salvation Army. Once they have enough donations to expand, the bags will go out on a larger distribution. Along with donations, they are asking the public for distribution suggestions. The goal is to offer the kits without recipients having to ask for help outright.
"This is a great opportunity to help someone with a small kit of basic necessities." said Oralls. "Together we can make a difference."
For more information you can contact the organization at: https://www.facebook.com/carekitsofcny
