WeHa Library's 'Kindness Project' Seeks Donations For Needy

Town of West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Kindness is a form of behavior that should be practiced year-round, but this time of year, it is something we all should think about.

As part of its 7th annual "Kindness Project," the West Hartford Public Library system is collecting donations of personal hygiene items for those in need from now until Friday, Dec. 8 at all library building locations.

Inspired by the book "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio — a story of learning to show compassion and kindness toward others — the children’s department at the West Hartford Public Library created the Kindness Project in 2017 to help children and adults in the community.

The project has grown each year. In 2020, it collected more than 3,500 personal hygiene items, and last year, 4,000.

Donations can be dropped into specially marked boxes at all three West Hartford Public Library locations. Items sought include:

• Laundry detergent
• Dish soap
• Disinfectant wipes / Tissues
• Individually wrapped toilet paper rolls
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste / Toothbrushes / Dental floss
• Diapers
• Feminine hygiene products
• Bar soap / Body wash / Shampoo
• Water bottles
• Bandages
• Lip balm / Hand lotion
• School supplies / Lunch snacks

All donated items must be new and unopened.

Donations will be delivered to the West Hartford Food Pantry and Fern Street Universalist Church as part of its backpack program.

All three library locations are accepting donations until Dec. 8. They are:

West Hartford Library — 20 S. Main St., West Hartford; 860-561-6950; whpl@westhartfordct.gov

Bishops Corner Branch —15 Starkel Road, West Hartford; 860-561-8210

Faxon Branch — 1073 New Britain Ave.; West Hartford; 860-561-8200

For more information on what to donate, visit this link.