Wantage WI collect small toiletries to go to Hospitals in Oxford for people who arrive after an accident without anything, and also for those who do not have anything or anyone to care for them. These bags (sewn by one of our ladies) usually contain approximately 12 items: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, face cloth, tissues, comb, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel and deodorant. We can often put in hand cream/earplugs and shower caps, and for the men we add shaving cream and a razor. These are given to The League of Friends who distribute them to departments who are in need. The members of our WI are just amazing with their generosity of spirit for those who are less fortunate than ourselves.
Homelessness
About 2 ½ years ago Liz was reading about the Homeless in Oxford and felt that our WI could come together and try and make a little difference. She sent out an email asking for warm clothes, scarves, hats etc and I was inundated with bags of clothing including warm sweaters, coats etc. That was the beginning and now we collect just about everything from towels, bedding, clothing, underwear, toiletries and sanitary protection for the ladies. This has now progressed to helping Little People from Wantage who help when homeless people are housed. We now collect anything and everything that they need to help them in their new homes to make a difference. To date we have delivered beds, beside tables, chests of drawers, tables, fridges, ovens, chairs and the list goes on.