Courtesy Photo Pictured are some Alpena Human Services Coordinating Council members with donations for the Basic Needs Pantry that they collected at their November meeting.

With the holidays and winter season approaching, Alpena Human Services Coordinating Council realizes that there are families in our area who are struggling financially. This is the perfect opportunity to remind everyone that the Basic Needs Pantry that they have helped to establish is available to anyone in need.

The Basic Needs Pantry offers items that are not covered by food assistance programs, like personal hygiene items and household cleaning items.

“There is no proof of income required for this pantry. We understand that a lot of families are just over the income guidelines for assistance programs but are often living paycheck to paycheck. We wanted to be sure that these resources were available to people who were impacted by an unexpected circumstance as well. If you need the help, the pantry is there for you,” states Alpena HSCC Chair Malinda Amlotte.

Donations to support the Basic Needs Pantry are always being accepted. If you are able to assist, some items that are always in demand are diapers, shampoo, body soap, toothpaste, men’s deodorant, laundry detergent, and dish soap.

The Basic Needs Pantry is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for dropping off donations, or for picking up needed items.

The pantry is housed within the Salvation Army office on North 2nd Avenue in Alpena.