YWCA preparing to open the Placer Pantry

The Helena YWCA is celebrating the grand opening of a new pantry this weekend to help supply personal hygiene products to those in need. Beartooth NBC visited the organization as they prepare to open the service.

The YWCA has been a staple in the Helena community for more than one hundred years. They've helped numerous families and taken care of countless women in need. Now they are extending that generosity to the community once more with the opening of the Placer Pantry.

"It's something we've known was a need in the community probably for a couple years. We've worked with our partner agencies in the community to make sure that this is something that needs to happen and they've all said yes it does need to happen," says YWCA Director, Kellie McBride.

Along with the help of the women's club the development of the pantry has continued to grow.

"So the women's club which meets once a month, we decided to make an announcement each month for a different category of products like shampoo or body washes or men's products or deodorants and we've been collecting those and I believe we've probably collected about $500 worth of products and brought here to begin stocking the shelves here," says Helena Women's Club Acting Vice President, Penny Cope.

And even though the pantry hasn't opened yet, what it will be able to provide for men and women in need is much more than cleanliness.

"The biggest benefit is the respect that we provide and that they walk away with the things that they need to feel good about themselves," says McBride.

"It's such a worry to worry about where you’re getting those things cause everything cost money when you don't have any money you really need the generosity, so I think it's gonna be a blessing," says YWCA Resident, Brandy Engle.

"We forget how the simple pleasure of just being clean and prepared for the world gives you strength to kind of face the challenges of getting back on your feet," says Cope.

After this Saturdays grand opening the YWCA's Placer Pantry will be open weekly on Tuesdays from 5 to 6pm and Saturdays from 10 to 11am.

The YWCA says families and individuals will be able to access the pantry once a month for any items they may need. They also say any full-size donations of personal hygiene products along with laundry detergent are always welcomed.  

Story by Drew Steele, Beartooth NBC.
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