WIN: Hair Care & Hygiene Drive

The WIN committee is continuing our advocacy for children in the foster care system with a Hair Care & Hygiene Drive to collect culturally appropriate hair and skin‐care products for Black children and other children of color.  Children in foster care often lack texture‑appropriate products; in 2024, 26.5 % of children referred into foster care in the Des Moines service area were Black, yet 84 % of foster families were not .  Many caregivers may not be familiar with the unique hair and skin care needs of these children.  We want to help close that gap.

Through this drive we are collecting items such as sulfate‑free shampoos and conditioners, moisturizing creams, hair oils and leave‑ins, wide‑tooth combs and detangling brushes, satin bonnets and durags, along with sensitive‑skin deodorants, body wash and lotions.  Donations are being accepted through November.  Current drop‑off sites include:

• Corinthian Baptist Church (814 School St, Des Moines), and

• Walnut Hills Methodist Church (12321 Hickman Rd, Urbandale). 

  
  

Please spread the word to friends and networks, every donation makes a difference.

Become a Collection Site

WIN is still accepting organizations with physical locations to serve as collection sites for this campaign.  Serving as a collection site simply means providing a designated container or space for donated items and helping to share the drive’s details.  WIN committee members will handle coordination and pick‑up at the end of the drive.  If your organization, workplace or church can host a collection box, please let us know asap so we can provide flyers and include your location in our outreach.

Upcoming Collection Opportunity

In addition to ongoing drop‑offs, we will collect donations at the NAACP Des Moines Branch monthly meeting on October 28 and November 25 at the Mickle Center.  Feel free to bring any items or share information with attendees.

If you have questions or wish to register as a collection site, please contact us at secretary@naacpdesmoines.org.  Your support ensures that every child feels seen, valued and cared for.