Hygiene Hub launches #ItsInTheBag appeal

A charity that provides hygiene and personal care products to those who need them, has launched its annual #ItsInTheBag Christmas appeal, asking communities across Ireland to come together to support individuals and families in need this winter.

Hygiene Hub's campaign calls on individuals, workplaces, schools and community groups to participate in the #ItsInTheBag campaign by donating essential and luxury hygiene items - such as shampoo, shower gel, deodorant and gift sets - at one of its drop-off points nationwide. These items will be packed into personalised tote bags and distributed through charities and other organisations to those most in need.

The #ItsInTheBag campaign aims to provide at least 3,500 bags to individuals and families this Christmas. To take part in the #ItsInTheBag campaign, supporters can donate new or unused essential and luxury toiletries through Hygiene Hub’s network of drop off points, host a hygiene drive with colleagues, friends or family, or donate financially through the #ItsInTheBag fundraiser.

Launched in December 2019, Hygiene Hub has 13 hubs across the country and has distributed over 140,000kg of items to local communities through links with local organisations, representing a financial value of over €800,000. Hygiene Hub aims to alleviate the pressure of hygiene poverty felt by many across the country when financial struggles mean that food, rent and bills are prioritised over hygiene items.

Announcing the launch of this year’s #ItsInTheBag campaign, Ciára Dalton, co-founder and Head of Partnerships at Hygiene Hub, said: “This year, we are once again calling on the public to join us as we spread kindness to those in our communities who need a helping hand. We know this time of year can be especially stressful, which is why we started this campaign to help make life a little easier for the 35,000 people we aim to support this Christmas.”

There are three ways supporters can help Hygiene Hub this Christmas:

Donate shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, or a gift set to a drop off point listed at hygienehub.ie/product-donation;

Give a monetary donations via the iDonate page; or

Host a hygiene drive at work, college or school.

Hygiene Hub will be collecting donations for its #ItsInTheBag campaign from 16 November until 14 December. Donations will then be sorted and distributed to community partners in time for Christmas.