When Walgreens Human Resources Department was looking for a beneficiary for its first ever “Stuff the Walgreens Truck” charity event, Manager of Community Affairs Martha O’Bryan suggested Connections for the Homeless could help a large number of people with exactly the products that Walgreens carries. Connections serves about 900 people a year across 31 north suburban municipalities, all of whom are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Lisa Todd, Connections’ director of Community Outreach, came up with a wish list that included such things as ibuprofen, long underwear, batteries and alarm clocks. She said, “Walgreens asked if they could also include rocking chairs for pregnant or nursing mothers, lightly used microwaves and educational toys for the children we serve. Of course, our answer was ‘Yes!’”
On Dec. 12, Walgreens’ HR Department will be loading up half a semi truck with merchandise for Connections to use in its work with those in need.