Annual Donations

My job requires that I travel, which can sometimes SOUND sexy, but usually isn't. Reservations, logistics, rushing, airport stress, meetings, coordination, and hotels. About 3 years ago a coworker of mine was actively involved in Mobile Loaves & Fishes and he encouraged everyone at the office who traveled a lot to bring back unused hotel toiletries. MLF is a social outreach ministry that provides food, clothing and dignity to the homeless and working poor. The donated toiletries not only help beneficiaries maintain proper hygiene, but are also donated to the working poor as gifts to their loved ones for the holidays (especially perfumes, body lotions, etc.).

A lot has changed in the last 3 years. TSA regulations limit the amount of liquids that passengers may carry, which has certainly presented challenges in bringing these items home from my trips. Additionally, the coworker who got me involved no longer works with me.

However, I'm happy to say that every year I have continued collecting these items from hotels (and other random things from race packets, such as lip balm & sunscreen samples that I'll never use), and on Saturday I dropped off my annual donation. In total, it was over 250 bottles, soap bars, mouthwashes, lotions, perfume samples, shower caps, vanity kits, etc. all organized & separated in bags. We each have our things that we do to help others, especially this time of year. 'Tis the season!