Green River College Provides Access to Toiletries to Those in Need
By: Mustafe Abdulahi
Staff Writer
Toiletries are a need that everyone should have access to, and the Benefits Hub at Green River College works to give all students access to this.
With a multitude of resources readily available to students across campus, the lack of toiletries on campus is not an issue that is brought up nearly enough. An inability to afford essentials such as deodorant, shampoo and other personal care products can cause a real issue on college campuses. It is another “hidden crisis” that urgently needs addressing.
Poor hygiene leads to different risks such as increased bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections. Bacteria multiply quickly when hands or the body are not properly washed. And lack of teeth brushing can lead to gum disease and other unpleasant diseases and infections. These risks call for access to hygiene products for all.
Easy access to things like toilet paper and tampons has the potential to improve the quality of life for a large portion of the Green River College’s student population. Green River College already distributes other necessities such as food and clothing free of charge; including hygiene products would simply be an extension of the services that are already provided.
Not being able to shower or brush your teeth is not something most people will readily admit to outside the context of a festival or big night out, so it is impossible to know how many people are truly affected by the issue. Moreover, University-provided hygiene products would significantly decrease the financial burden that they pose for many students. The National Association of College Stores (NACS) estimates that the average college student will spend $655 per year on personal care products alone.
Erica Chang, one of the Benefits Hub Campus Coordinators, explained the conception of the toiletries drive. “In early September, a student came into the Benefits Hub and that particular student needed access to showers,” Chang said.
“We had showers on campus, but at the time we didn’t have any towels. So I was calling different campus partners to see if they had any towels available and we finally tracked one down. But I realized we didn’t have any toiletries.”
Chang explained that because the Benefits Hub existed to cater to students, they realized that they needed to do something about this lack of toiletries. Chang partnered with the Violence and Prevention Center and told them what she was seeing around campus. They then organized the toiletry drive and kept it going for two weeks and it did extremely well.
“We also partnered with the Foundation to have student helpers make toiletry kits, so you don’t really have to ask for a specific item since it’s already in the kit,” said Chang. “It’s great as well because they could just come in and take what they need as well.”
The reception was also great from students. Chris Salinas, a third year student at Green River College was surprised to hear about these options on campus.
“You don’t really see those things offered on campus honestly,” Salinas said. “It’s a really great thing as well because as a college student, you sometimes don’t have the funds to get personal care products. Basic hygiene is a really important thing and goes all the way in measuring your self-worth and confidence.”
As a society, people do not really think of basic toiletries as luxuries, but they are. With the rise of prices on everything, it is harder for people to afford such things. With the toiletry drive, Green River College is providing these basic necessities to those who would otherwise have no way to get a hold of them and have proper hygiene.
If you are having trouble with financial aid or need assistance in general, make sure to contact the Benefits Hub. Schedule an appointment or stop by the Career and Advising Center (SA-104) during the drop-in hours. Benefits Hub offers one-stop financial assistance and enrollment in benefits, including: FAFSA/WASFA Assistance, Utility Assistance, Homelessness Prevention and much more.
Photo Cred: Wikimedia Commons
