WILLIAMS PROVIDING DROP-OFF FOR PENNSERVE KATRINA COLLECTION

 HARRISBURG, SEPT. 14 – State Sen. Connie Williams has joined efforts with PennSERVE, the Governor’s Office of Citizen Service, to collect personal care items to be distributed to Katrina evacuees located in the Philadelphia area and across the state.

 “I have repeatedly bragged in Harrisburg about the wonderful people that I represent, and once again they are showing how much they care and how generous they are,” Williams said. “When I heard about the project PennSERVE was starting, I quickly asked if I could collaborate with the organization.”

 Williams has offered both of her district offices as collection points for the PennSERVE initiative. The project involves collecting personal care items, such as soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste for children and adults, wash cloths and towels, safety razors, nail clippers, adhesive bandages, shampoo and conditioner, feminine hygiene products and other basic toiletry necessities. The items will be sorted and personal hygiene kits created for men, women and children. The kits will be distributed to Katrina evacuees that have located in the Philadelphia area and across the state.

 “The evacuees in many cases lost not only their belongings and their homes, but also their communities,” Williams said. “Many have no idea when they will be able to go back to their community, or -- for various reasons -- if they will be able to return, and are trying to re-establish a degree of normalcy in their lives for themselves and for their children during this transition period. I am proud of how Pennsylvania has responded to help the evacuees.”

 Items can be dropped off during normal office hours, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at either of Williams’ offices – 700 S. Henderson Road, Suite 100A, King of Prussia and Manoa Shopping Center, Suite 39, 1305 West Chester Pike, Havertown. Donations will be accepted until Oct. 8^th.

 PennSERVE works to promote volunteerism and community service throughout Pennsylvania. The organization works to build strong communities through grassroots involvement and commitment.