The 2026 Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive brought together businesses, schools, churches, and community members across Oshkosh, Omro, and Winneconne—resulting in more than $49,000 in donated hygiene items to support local agencies serving individuals and families in need.
Led by The Family, the annual drive helps provide essential items like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste.
This year, 138 collection boxes were placed throughout the community, with nearly 89 returned full of donations. Items collected through the drive are now being distributed through local partners, including ADVOCAP, Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, COTS, Day By Day Shelter, Father Carr’s Place 2B, Oshkosh Area Community Pantry, Oshkosh Area School District, The Salvation Army, Tiny House Village, and Vida Medical Clinic.
Oshkosh Area United Way served as the Area Leader for the drive, supporting participating agencies, coordinating volunteers, and hosting the final drop-off and sorting location.
Volunteers played a key role in keeping donations moving. Community members signed up through VolunteerOshkosh.org, the area’s volunteer center hosted by Oshkosh Area United Way, to assist with picking up, transporting, and sorting donations—helping reduce the workload for nonprofit staff and keeping the process on track, even during challenging weather conditions.
“In past years, the amount of coordination and hands-on work required for the Hygiene Drive has been significant for agencies,” said Hannah Wainio of Winnebago County Public Health. “This year, having volunteers step in to help with logistics and sorting made a noticeable difference. It allowed us to stay focused on the people we serve while still being part of a successful community effort.
