Time For 5th Annual Drive To Supply The Needy

The 5th annual Sock and Hygiene Products Drive is about to get underway again. Throughout the month of October, donations of socks and hygiene products, meant for the homeless and underprivileged in the Moapa Valley community, will be collected a various drop-box locations throughout town.

For the past four years, local residents Judy Smith, Cindy McMurray and Michael and Jyoce Dennis have teamed up for this important donation drive.

Smith learned of the need five years ago and has worked tirelessly since to make sure donations go to those needing help. During the first year of the project, many of the donations from the drive went largely to the Las Vegas area for homeless teens. But in the second year, Smith learned that there are important needs much closer to home. So some changes were made.

“All donations will benefit our valley’s homeless and under-privileged,” Judy said. “Everything will stay here in Moapa, Logandale, Overton, and Mesquite. We will be also reaching out to the Moapa Band of Paiutes reservation, the Overton Senior Center, the middle schools and the elementary schools. Another service agency is already helping the students at the high schools.”

The items most needed are: new socks and underwear (all sizes), travel-sized hygiene items: soap, shampoo, deodorant, lotion, razors, shaving cream, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products. In addition, school supplies are needed. These include backpacks, pencils, markers, notebooks, etc.

In past years other items like crocheted and knitted hats, gloves, toys, and caps have all been donated and all items have been helpful.

“Judy is very involved in several service agencies in the Moapa Valley and in Mesquite,” said Cindy McMurray. “She is wonderful at finding those who need each donated item.”

McMurray also sent out a call to the community in helping to identify needs that may not be as apparent.
“We know that there may be local needs that we are unaware of,” said McMurray. “So, if you know of a family in need, please let us know and we will help in any way we can.”

Collection box locations in the community include drop-boxes at Foremost Realty in Logandale, Muddy River Grill in Moapa, and Cal’s Auto Repair, Inside Scoop, Clea’s Moapa Valley Realty and Sage Health and Home Center in Overton. And Family Dollar on Riverside Rd. in Mesquite.