THE OTHER BANK at the YWCA of Olympia has provided personal hygiene and household cleaning supplies to individuals and families in need in Thurston, Mason, and Lewis counties since 1986. The program distributes:
• Tampons and Pads
• Toilet paper
• Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
• Deodorant
• Shampoo
• Bar soap
• Powdered laundry soap
• Dish soap
• Razors and Shaving Cream
• Diapers
None of these items can be purchased with food stamp and are not available at food banks, yet they are essential for maintaining health and personal dignity. The YWCA of Olympia is the only agency in the South Puget Sound that provides this comprehensive service of distribution of these necessary items.
In 2008, THE OTHER BANK provided services to over 17,000 individuals, and in 2009, we are projecting that we will serve over 20,000 people. One-third of our clients under the age of thirteen and half of those children are under the age of 5. We have experienced a 40% increase in demand for our services so far this year.
THE OTHER BANK also provides services to clients who are disabled, elderly, or otherwise housebound. We serve 10-20 individuals each month through their chore workers or caregivers.
The OTHER BANK is open every Wednesday afternoon from 1-3:30pm. Each household can select from a list of hygiene items and household cleaning supplies. Additional items, such as paper towels, Kleenex, mouthwash, and hair care products are offered as supplies allow. Each household may use THE OTHER BANK up to six times a year. Clients must show proof of identification.
Our personal hygiene and household cleaning supplies are donated by local churches, schools, government agencies, businesses, service clubs, and individuals. Many wonderful groups have organized donation drives to help us keep our shelves stocked with products. Some drives are big one time or one day events and others are ongoing. Some people prefer to donate cash to enable us to purchase products when we need them. If we don’t have enough products to distribute, we purchase them at Albertson’s (they are always so helpful!) We depend upon the generosity of all of our donors, both the loyal and faithful groups that continue to support us regularly and individuals and groups that help one time or when they are able to.
THE OTHER BANK helps over 100 families each week, and this number represents 350-450 individuals. The average income for a family of four who use THE OTHER BANK is $650 a month. Family circumstances vary. We have some families who are homeless, some receive unemployment benefits, and some are working minimum wage jobs. All are struggling to make ends meet and many would have to go without the items we distribute if they could not get them from us.
Quotes from clients of THE OTHER BANK:
“There are a lot of people who can’t afford basic living necessities and we go to THE OTHER BANK for the things we need but can’t afford and it’s a wonderful service.”
“The YWCA reaches people with a service that is too far overlooked. People can feel good about themselves when they are clean and healthy.”
“People feel like there is some kind of hope when others care.”
“Someday you might have some hard times – wouldn’t you like this to be available for you if you needed it.”
“When people have absolutely no toilet paper, we can count on this place. Thank you.”
“THE OTHER BANK enables women and families to stay clean and sanitary and feel better about ourselves.”
Average weekly distribution for some of our products:
• 1,250 Tampons and Pads
• 250 rolls of Toilet Paper
• 175 Toothbrushes
• 90 bars of soap
• 50 bottles of dish soap
• 450 diapers
Volunteers are an essential element of THE OTHER BANK. We have 40-60 volunteers a month that help provide this wonderful service. On Tuesdays, volunteers help to sort, repackage and shelve product donations. On Wednesdays, volunteers help to distribute the products to the public. We also have volunteer interpreters (Spanish and Vietnamese). Other volunteers conduct product drives in their offices, churches, neighborhoods, or book clubs. If you would like more information about how you can contribute to THE OTHER BANK, please contact Randi Miller, Program Director.
VOLUNTEER INFO FOR THE OTHER BANK
Volunteers are needed on Tuesdays (anytime between 10am-5pm) to sort, repackage, and shelve products.
Volunteers are needed on Wednesdays (12:30-3:30pm) to help distribute products to the public. Volunteer translators are also needed during this time (Spanish, Vietnamese, and Cambodian).
Volunteers are always needed to help organize and conduct product donation drives.
Please call or email for more information regarding volunteer opportunities at THE OTHER BANK.