BUFFALO, N.Y. — In an effort to address a need in the Western New York community, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is opening a personal care closet at their Main Street location.
Beginning September 19, the personal care closet will be open from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the third Thursday every month at 1298 Main Street in Buffalo.
WIC and SNAP recipients can visit once every three months to receive up to five items for no cost. Items available include personal hygiene items for men, women and child, as well as baby products and household items.
“I went on a home visit and the woman I was assisting told me that she used a bar of soap for cleaning herself, doing her dishes and washing her clothes, because that’s what she could afford,” said Society Board President Cheri Frank in a press release. “That's when I knew we had to help folks with personal hygiene items for not only their well-being but to provide for the dignity they deserve.”
Those that visit will need to bring a picture ID and program cards required for registration.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is also accepting donations of personal products and cash donations. For more information on how to donate: svdpwny.org/personal-care-closet.
In addition to providing personal care products, the society members and volunteers also provide meals and visit those in need to provide them with goods.
“In 2023, Society members and volunteers made over 6,200 home face-to-face and virtual visits to help our friends in need with essential goods. More than 74,400 hot meals were provided in our Dining Room, and we aided over 37,000 visitors at our Discount Store. We made life better for an average of fifty families a week,” Frank said.
