Hints From Heloise

Tue., Jan. 19, 1999

Dear Heloise: I work at a homeless shelter in Arkansas called Mission Outreach of Paragould. Recently, a gentleman brought us quite a large bag of sample-size and hotel-size bottles of shampoo, cream rinse and mouthwash, as well as some toothbrushes, toothpaste and other small products. When he presented the items to us, he also gave us a copy of a letter that ran in your column, where a reader and you had suggested such a gesture.

You are correct in assuming that homeless people, many of whom come to us with just the clothes on their backs, appreciate the smallest of things. Having their own personal products is a real boost to their otherwise beaten egos.

Thank you for your suggestion, and I encourage anyone else who may have these types of items to please donate them to a local shelter. It may seem meaningless to some to give something that came free of charge, but to us, it means a lot. Our funds usually are earmarked for food, heat and clothing and very little can be put aside for personal items.

- Fran Adams, Paragould, Ark.

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