The MutualOne Charitable Foundation has awarded $3,000 to Hope and Comfort, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing basic hygiene products for local low-income youth and families. The purchase of items such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, and deodorant are not covered by SNAP benefits (previously known as food stamps), and food pantries and other resources cannot keep pace with the high demand for such items.

Hope and Comfort collects a variety of these personal hygiene products from corporate donors, community collection drives, and low-cost purchases. It then distributes them to a network of food pantries and organizations serving economically disadvantaged individuals and families. Locally, these community partners include A Place to Turn and Family Promise of MetroWest in Natick, and Jewish Family Services of MetroWest, SMOC, and Hoops & Homework in Framingham.

“Hygiene insecurity can have a significant impact on an individual’s health or self-esteem,” said Steven M. Sousa, executive vice president and chief operating officer of MutualOne Bank and a MutualOne Charitable Foundation trustee. “MutualOne was eager to help Hope and Comfort meet the needs of those in our community who can’t afford a simple bar of soap or tube of toothpaste. It was also our way of thanking Hope and Comfort for taking positive steps to address this issue in our community and others.”