Keeping your hands clean by washing with soap and hot water is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of illness and infection. But what would you do if you couldn’t afford soap or other basic toiletry items? It’s a problem that many with limited incomes face on any given day.

AAA’s 4th Annual Soap for Hope campaign collects your unused and unopened toiletry items and distributes them to persons in need via local shelters, food banks and other charitable organizations. Donations may be dropped off at the Donations may be dropped off at the AAA Tacoma office located at 1801 S. Union Ave. and the AAA Federal Way office located at 2122 S. 314th St., starting on November 1 and through the end of the year. Donations made at these offices will stay in the community to benefit Federal Way Community Caregiving Network and Nativity House.

New, full- and sample-size toiletry items, such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste and deodorant will be accepted at all AAA locations, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

“I’m really proud to be a part of such an incredible community,” said Molly Gruse, manager of AAA’s office in Tacoma. “Our members and other customers really pitched in with our Soap for Hope drive, and with their help, we were able to provide thousands of toiletry items locally to those that need them the most.”

It’s easy to help. Look in your cabinets for toiletry items you never used. Maybe you have hotel shampoos, conditioners, lotions or soaps from your last trip. Or if you buy in bulk you many have extra disposable razors, bar soap, toothbrushes or toothpaste.

For more information including a complete list of AAA locations and charities, please visit (http://www.aaawa.com/about/newsroom/relations/soapforhope/index.asp).