“Just life changing” – local organization providing free showers, toiletries for those in need
SALISBURY, Md. – A shower, fresh towels, and toiletries are things that most people don’t think twice about. But for those taking advantage of this shower trailer, they say it means the world. “This is the best thing that every happened to people in situations that we’re in now,” said Joe Joe.
A local organization called Beyond Your Walls teamed up with Community of Joy Church on Monday and Tuesday. They provided those in need with a chance to freshen up – and lift their spirits. “For us to be able to give just this little bit to them – again, it’s just restoring hope and restoring dignity with something as easy as a hot shower and a smile,” said George McGinnity with Beyond Your Walls.
At the trailer people can shower as long as they need- which is something those using it say makes a big difference in their peace of mind. “A lot of places you get time limits. You get rushed out. You can’t ask to be able to do what you need to do to be clean,” said Joe Joe.
Not only are people provided with a hot shower. They’re also given toiletries and new t-shirts and underwear. Community of Joy Church is providing the lot and the water hook up. Pastor Martin Hutchison says seeing the difference the showers make in peoples’ lives is inspiring. “Their eyes were like wow this is first class! This is really fabulous. It’s on demand hot water. They can take a shower as long as they want,” said Pastor Hutchison.
McGinnity says that the local community has been stepping up to help donate the supplies. He says they were even allowed to borrow a truck from Pittsville Ford to haul the trailer. “They’ve been awesome. They seen something on Facebook, reached out to us and said hey anything we can do to help – we’re there to help,” said McGinnity.
The community members benefiting from the trailer are calling the trailer a blessing – and hope that others will take advantage of it too. “There’s a lot of people out here that need help and if everybody comes together the world will be a better place,” said Timothy Gunther.
Organizers say they’ll be here at Community of Joy with the shower trailer on Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. McGinnity says they’re planning on also providing showers in North Salisbury. The organization is also asking for donations of some of the toiletries and new or gently used clothing.
