Community-wide effort provides essential hygiene items to unhoused neighbors when post-holiday giving slows
SONOMA COUNTY, Calif.—Five years ago, Sonoma County Tourism (SCT) launched the Sonoma County Tourism Cares’ Hygiene Product Drive to meet the ongoing need for essential hygiene products among Sonoma County’s unhoused residents. That commitment continued this January, as the 2026 drive concluded with generous support from community members across the county.
Led by SCT, the annual drive takes place each January, when donations often decline after the holidays but needs remain high. New, unopened hygiene items collected throughout the county are distributed by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa, which serves unhoused individuals and families year-round through its outreach teams.
“Basic hygiene items are easy to take for granted, but they can make a real difference in a person’s life,” said Jessica Quigley-Freeman, project manager at Sonoma County Tourism. “What’s been most meaningful is seeing partner businesses and individuals in both the tourism industry and organizations across the County recommit to this program every January, year after year. That consistency turns good intentions into something that truly matters.”
The program’s reach is made possible by enthusiastic participation from county libraries, visitor centers, and chambers of commerce. These organizations serve as collection points and help spread the word about contributions through their own networks. Travel-sized toiletries were especially helpful this year, enabling outreach teams to distribute supplies quickly and efficiently.
This year’s drive yielded nearly 360 pounds of donated hygiene essentials, including dental care products, soap, shampoo, menstrual products, socks, and ready-to-use hygiene kits; small, practical items that make a meaningful difference day to day. Since its launch, the Hygiene Product Drive has collected 1,923 pounds of essential hygiene products for local distribution over five years, with annual donations ranging from 236 to 600 pounds. All of these donations have been distributed to support unhoused neighbors across Sonoma County.
“Sonoma County Tourism continues to show what true community partnership looks like. Through their consistent support and generous donation of hygiene products, they help restore dignity to our unhoused community and demonstrate how different sectors can come together to address some of our most pressing social challenges,” said Jennielynn Holmes, CEO of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa.
Beyond the numbers, the drive reflects a shared commitment to hospitality and care, values that extend beyond visitors to those who call Sonoma County home.
For more information about Sonoma County Tourism Cares and future community initiatives, visit https://www.sonomacounty.com/partners/sctourism-cares/ or contact communityengagement@sonomacounty.com.
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About Sonoma County Tourism
Sonoma County Tourism (SCT) is the official organization responsible for destination stewardship in California’s Sonoma County. Committed to cultivating a vibrant economy through inclusivity, sustainability, and community connections, SCT promotes the area as a welcoming destination for all. Learn more about the organization’s innovative efforts to support the local economy responsibly at sonomacounty.com/partners/about-sonoma-county-tourism/.
For additional details or media inquiries, please contact:
Birgitt Vaughan or Chris Vomvolakis
Sonoma County Tourism
publicrelations@sonomacounty.com