Basic hygiene items make a difference for Orcas families

||| FROM THE RESOURCE CENTER COMMUNICATIONS TEAM |||

A roll of toilet paper, a tube of toothpaste, laundry soap, diapers — these are ordinary household items until a family cannot afford them.

Coates Cabinet Hygiene Bank, a program of Orcas Community Resource Center, helps islanders access basic hygiene and household supplies when costs, emergencies, or unexpected challenges put those items out of reach. Last year alone, Coates Cabinet distributed 9,000 rolls of toilet paper, 800 tubes of toothpaste, 36,392 diapers, and 12,676 loads of laundry.

The numbers show the need, but the impact is personal.

Today, an Orcas family is navigating a medical crisis with the added expenses and logistical challenges of island life. Ferry travel for care, time away from work, and mounting costs quickly consume the household budget. Coates Cabinet helps by providing basic hygiene items that allow the family to keep daily life going while they focus on health and recovery.

For families, seniors, and individuals across the island, access to hygiene supplies can mean clean clothes for work or school, diapers for a child, or household basics that make a hard week more manageable. Coates Cabinet exists to make sure those needs do not go unmet simply because money is tight or life has taken an unexpected turn.

This year, Coates Cabinet is facing a $24,660 shortfall due to rising product costs and increased need. Those who would like to support the program can learn more or donate at orcascrc.org.

About the Orcas Community Resource Center

The Orcas Community Resource Center helps islanders navigate life’s challenges by connecting neighbors with practical help and trusted guidance. The organization focuses on housing assistance, help accessing medical care, transportation, food, and financial literacy resources. The goal is a healthier, more resilient community where everyone has the tools to weather hard moments and move forward with stability.