A stable home starts with the basics—but everyday essentials like soap, toothpaste, and cleaning supplies can be out of reach for families facing financial hardship. For many ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households—those working hard yet struggling to afford the cost of living—these items can be difficult to prioritize when rent, food, and utilities come first.

Each November, United Way of 1000 Lakes joins forces with local organizations, businesses, schools, and housing advocates to collect and distribute household and personal care items across Itasca County. The Home for Good Drive, running through December 12, helps families ease financial strain, promote good health and hygiene, and create a fresh start.

“In times when budgets are stretched thin, even the smallest essentials can make a big difference,” said Molly Hiipakka, Community Impact Coordinator at United Way. “Home for Good is about more than providing supplies—it’s about restoring comfort, dignity, and a sense of stability to families working to rebuild their lives.”

Last year, Home for Good provided over 51 families with critical supplies—helping ensure every household has what it needs to make a house feel like home. The drive focuses on providing items such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and laundry detergent—basic supplies that support health, build self-esteem, and help families stretch their budgets to meet other needs.

Community members are encouraged to get involved in several ways. Organizations, clubs, churches, and businesses can host a drop box to collect personal care or home essentials or hold a virtual drive to raise monetary donations that will be used to purchase essential supplies. Individuals can also donate items directly at one of the 14 community drop box locations or contribute monetary gifts to support the effort.

DROP BOX LOCATIONS
Compass North (502 SE 10th St, Grand Rapids)
Deerwood Bank (2950 S Highway 169, Grand Rapids)
Essential Health Deer River (115 10th Ave NE, Ste A, Deer River)
Essential Health Grand Rapids (154 Course Rd, Ste 203, Grand Rapids)
Itasca County Family YMCA (400 River Rd, Grand Rapids)
Kiesler Wellness Center (3130 SE 2nd Ave, Grand Rapids)
Members Cooperative Credit Union (18 NW 4th St, Grand Rapids)
MDI – Grand Rapids (825 Lily Ln, Grand Rapids)
MDI – Cohasset (1001 NW 3rd St, Cohasset)
Northern Lakes Dental (520 NW 5th St, Grand Rapids)
Northern Star CENEX Convenience Store, Deer River (105 Main Ave, Deer River)
Northern Star CENEX Convenience Store, Grand Rapids (105 Main Ave, Deer River)
ServPro (717 NE 4th St, Grand Rapids)
Zion Lutheran (2901 S Highway 169, Grand Rapids)

Those looking for a hands-on opportunity can volunteer by collecting supplies and assembling essential packs, packaging basic hygiene and household items into care kits that are distributed through local programs and nonprofits, like Itasca County Habitat for Humanity, Grace House, and Northland Counseling Center. Those interested can participate individually or with a group such as a workplace, church, team, or classroom. Participants can sign up online, indicate how many kits they plan to assemble, and download the Home for Good Project Guide to get started.

For those short on time, United Way also offers the option to shop online through curated wish lists. Items can be shipped directly to United Way (350 NW 1^st Ave., Suite A, Grand Rapids, MN  55744), providing a simple and convenient way to help from home.

“When everyone contributes, everyone benefits,” said Hiipakka. “Together, we can make sure every family in our community has the essentials they need to live safely, healthfully, and with dignity.”

To learn more, visit uwlakes.org/home-for-good or call 218-999-7570.