A warm gesture from two generous community members will go a long way in keeping clients comfortable this winter at United Community Corporation’s shelter locations.

Earlier this month, Ola Anacreon and Katherine Rozzelle, two realtors at Signature Realty NJ, donated bed linens, towels, washcloths, shower shoes and various hygiene products to UCC's Emergency Services Department which operates three shelters in Newark (Fulton Street and HOPE Villages I and II). The contribution was made possible by fundraising efforts from Anacreon and Rozzelle, who said they raised $2,000 to purchase the items.

As the winter season brings frigid temperatures and harsh weather, this time of year can pose difficult challenges to individuals in the Greater Newark community often seeking a physical space to warm up or lay their head at night. Through these donated items, Anacreon and Rozzelle hope they can ensure the comfort and dignity of the community’s most vulnerable individuals.

“We're not here for a long time, so my goal in life is just to be able to help others because things could be so much worse,” said Anacreon. “I know a lot of people are dealing with things that I have no idea what they’re going through. This is my way of making a difference.”

“Somebody has to do it. There are people in need,” said Rozzelle. “I would want someone to help me, so I wanted to make sure I could do what I can to help.” This donation serves as a reminder, even in the form of basic necessities, of the incredible impact that community support can have on those facing adversity. Towels, for example, play a crucial role in maintaining personal cleanliness and self-care.

Additionally, hygiene products like toothbrushes, toothpaste and shaving razors are essential for self-esteem and health, yet they are often overlooked in donation drives. The inclusion of these items in the recent donation recognizes the holistic needs of the shelter's residents and helps the UCC Emergency Services staff maintain its commitment to preserving the dignity of its clients.