Options for Independence

At a time when most banks are raising or instituting new fees for their services, we’re proud to continue our efforts with no-fee Personal Care banking!

Options’ Personal Care Bank was begun earlier this year, with the goal of providing personal hygiene and cleaning products to individuals and families who couldn’t afford them. Based on our experience with the income-verified population we serve, we were confident the demand and need was great for these items, most of which cannot be purchased using food stamps or other program coupons. And for the people we serve, there is no charge for these desperately needed personal care items!

Now, we’re not talking about extravagances here. Our “bank” freely distributes many of the everyday items you and I take for granted. Basic necessities such as toilet paper, hand soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and laundry detergent line our shelves.  Shampoo, deodorant, paper towels, shaving cream, dish detergent and feminine hygiene products certainly aren’t extravagances either, and these items are generally available to the people we serve. At times, Band-Aids, bleach, disposable razors, baby wipes, denture cleaner, garbage bags lip balm or dental floss may also be available.

The key word here is “may.” Various personal care products may be available, but only if we’re graced by continuing donations from caring individuals or organizations. While some limited funding has been available through the Cayuga Community Fund and the Cayuga County United Way, most of the distributed products are the direct result of either generous donations or supplemental purchases made possible by Options’ fundraising efforts.

Regular and steady donations have come from the Westminster Presbyterian Church Women’s Group, both in the form of products to stock the shelves and volunteers to help operate the Personal Care Bank during the days and times it’s open. Fundraisers such as Options’ April Bowl-a-Thon have provided supplemental funds to purchase additional products. Unfortunately, demand still far outstrips supply, and with the holidays approaching, the need is greater than ever.

Our next fundraiser, Options’ Holiday Cookie Sale, begins today, with all proceeds benefiting the Personal Care Bank. Preorders for fancy-style Italian cookies made by Rose’s Bakery in Auburn will be available by stopping at Options’ offices or by calling 255-3447 exts. 318 or 326. Cookie pickup will begin from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Options’ Holiday Open House, and will continue from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 14-16. Your support of the cookie sale and Personal Care Bank would be greatly appreciated!

Options is also extremely happy and excited to announce the newest addition to our staff. Alison (Ali) Wade is our new Medicaid service coordinator! Ali’s a graduate of Cazenovia College and has come to Options following her service as a sociotherapist and waiver service provider at Hillside Children’s Center. Her experience and skills will prove to be invaluable as she coordinates services for individuals in Cayuga, Seneca and Onondaga counties. We’re excited to have her join our family at Options! Welcome, Ali!

Greg Guy is the executive director of Options for Independence