Patti Hillebrand is a woman with a ‘mission.?
The Oxford Village resident is collecting a variety of small personal items ranging from hygiene products to playing cards for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
‘We have to do something for these people,? Hillebrand said. ‘This is America. They shouldn’t go without. And I know they need money. And I know they need food and water. But they also need other things. They have nothing.
‘Can you imagine? Nothing.?
She’s collecting soap, deodorant, diapers, toothbrushes and toothpaste, hand sanitizer, fingernail clippers, hairbrushes, new underwear and socks, ibuprofen and Tylenol for children and adults, feminine hygiene products, first aid items, etc.
‘Anything to help them feel a little cleaner,? Hillebrand said. ‘If I went this long without brushing my teeth, I’d be beside myself.?
But Hillebrand is also looking for donations of playing cards, crayons, coloring books, small toy cars like Matchbox and Hot Wheels, etc. ‘Anything to keep them occupied,? she said. ‘They’re sitting in these shelters. They need something to do.?
Hillebrand emphasized she only wants small, easily transportable items.
‘I’m not taking anything big,? she said. ‘I don’t want clothes. Just little things.?
A drop box for donations is currently sitting on the front porch of Hillebrand’s 100 Pontiac Street home (directly across from Oxford Elementary School).
For more information, Hillebrand can be reached at (248) 628-9641.