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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Homelessness is very prominent across the state of North Dakota and the South Central Homeless Coalition is looking for different ways to help.

Beginning today, Region VI South Central Homeless Coalition will be holding their 2nd Annual Blessing Bags drive. Tonya Perkins is an Executive Board Member with the coalition.

The drive will collect non-perishable donations of new or unused items that will then be given to numerous organizations for distribution. Cassie DuBray is also an Executive Board Member.

There will be several drop off sites in the area including Stutsman County Housing Authority, Triump, Inc., and Edgewood Senior Living. Area church’s are also getting involved, with day-long donation periods. They include:

• Trinity Lutheran Church – March 8

• St. Paul’s Methodist Church – March 15

• Church of the Nazarene – March 22

• First Congregational United Church of Christ — March 29

• St. James Basilica – April 5

• United Presbyterian Church – April 14

Items that can be donated include:

• Travel sized personal care items such as facial tissues, wet wipes, nail clippers, lip balm, mouthwash, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, combs, etc.

• Nonperishable snacks such as granola bars, crackers, gum, mints, etc

• Socks

• Small first aid kits

• Feminine hygiene products

• Gallon sized zip-top bags

DuBray says this year, they hope to expand to cover more of the coalition’s nine-county reach.

On Thursday, April 20th at 2:00 PM, all donated items will be assembled and put into Blessing Bags. The assembly will take place at Edgewood Senior Living and all community members will be welcomed to attend.

You can listen to the full interview with Tonya and Cassie below: