Father Brennan's efforts aid HCH

Date: 5/16/2011

SPRINGFIELD — Father Jim Brennan, co-director of the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel, has collected thousands of personal care items over the years to help the homeless. He started the Personal Care Collection several years ago to help the Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) program that is run by Mercy Medical Center.

"These items that we take for granted like soap and toothpaste, can make a big difference in the life of a homeless person," Brennan said.

In 2010, Mercy HCH cared for more than 2,300 homeless individuals from Hampden, Franklin, and Hampshire counties. "There is a greater need in the area than people realize," Brennan said.

Personal care items needed include: soap, shampoo, tooth-paste, toothbrushes, hand lotion, shaving items, hand sanitizers and tube socks.

The Personal Care collection will run through May 31 and donations can be dropped off at the St. Francis Chapel on week-days from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations will also be accepted at The Cruise Store in East Long-meadow on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and at Tower Square's City Walk Caf s on Wednesdays in May from noon to 1:30 p.m. .