Many of us start out our day by washing our face and brushing our teeth. But for some with limited incomes, it’s a luxury they cannot afford.

AAA Washington and KOMO Newsradio’s Soap for Hope campaign wants to help by collecting your unused and unopened toiletry items and distributing them to persons in need via local shelters, food banks and other charitable organizations.

Donations may be dropped off at the AAA Renton office located at 3900 E. Valley Highway, Suite 105. Donations made at this office will benefit the Auburn Food Bank.

Last year AAA Washington and KOMO Newsradio collected more than 51,000 toiletry items in six weeks thanks to the generosity of AAA members, local businesses, and local communities. These donations were distributed to 27 local charities that were grateful for the items because toiletries are in high demand but not often donated.

“It’s easy to help,” said Susan Brahm, manager of AAA’s office in Renton. “Look in your cabinets for toiletry items you’ve never used. Maybe you have hotel shampoos, conditioners, lotions or soaps from your last trip. Or if you buy in bulk you many have extra disposable razors, toothbrushes or toothpaste.”

Toiletry items, such as: soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrush, body wash, floss, razors, facial cleansers, hair spray, hair brushes and deodorant will be accepted at all AAA locations, Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. all year long.

For more information including a complete list of AAA locations, please visit www.aaawa.com and click on Soap for Hope.

About the Auburn Food Bank

The Auburn Food Bank is a volunteer directed organization that provides food, referrals, and emergency assistance to those in need. These services, which are provided year around by a coordinated and systematic approach to the collection and distribution of resources in a responsible and a caring way, will be extended to those living within the Auburn School District #408 boundaries, which includes the cities of Algona, Pacific, and the newly annexed areas of Lake Tapps and Kent.

For more information, please visit www.theauburnfoodbank.org/.