Departments throughout the Johnson County Human Services system are asking for assistance from residents of the area.
According to a September 2, 2015 news item, the county's human services facilities are holding a food drive throughout the entire month, with a special emphasis on collecting cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items. The agency is trying to help its clients stockpile the things they need, but which they cannot buy with an Electronic Benefits Transfer card.
Chris Lowe, who manages the Multi-Service Center in Spring Hill, notes that centers faced an increased need for their services this summer, as families whose children usually eat breakfast and lunch at school for free had to somehow find food while the schools were closed. The pantries began to run out of supplies.
Food pantries throughout Johnson County are asking for:
- Deodorant
- Bath soap
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Facial tissues
- Diapers in both adult and infant sizes
- Feminine hygiene products
- Cleaning supplies of all kinds including laundry detergent
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
There are seven locations in the system, including one in Olathe proper. The others are in Blue Valley, North Central (Lenexa), Spring Hill, North West (Shawnee), North East (Mission), and Gardener/Edgerton.
Officials of the human services system might work with a flyer printing company to create a mailer for county residents, letting them know the extent of the need, and listing specifically the items they want most.
