Salvation Army volunteers to pack 500 hygiene kits for Champaign County teens

A dozen volunteers, joined by Salvation Army staff, will assemble kits filled with essential hygiene items, aiming to boost teens’ confidence as they return to the classroom.

By Elizabeth Hess July 29, 2025 2:06 pm

Metro ServicesThe initiative addresses a growing but often overlooked need, especially as families already face the rising costs of school supplies, food, housing, and utilities.

CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – In an effort to support local teens as they head back to school, The Salvation Army of Champaign County is organizing a special volunteer event to pack 500 hygiene kits for high school students. The event will take place on Wednesday, July 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Red Shield Center, 2212 N. Market St., Champaign.

A dozen volunteers, joined by Salvation Army staff, will assemble kits filled with essential hygiene items, aiming to boost teens’ confidence as they return to the classroom. The initiative addresses a growing but often overlooked need—personal hygiene products for teenagers—especially as families already face the rising costs of school supplies, food, housing, and utilities.

“Hygiene is a basic need that directly impacts a teen’s confidence and ability to thrive at school,” said a representative from the Salvation Army. “We’re grateful to the donors and volunteers who make this effort possible.”

The completed hygiene kits will be distributed on Thursday, August 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., also at the Red Shield Center. Students and families must bring either a student ID or proof of enrollment at a high school in Champaign County to receive a kit.

Community members still have a chance to help. Donations of hygiene supplies are being accepted at the Red Shield Center through August 1, 2025. Items most in need include: