SAFE Credit Union launches spring donation drive for The Gathering

SAFE Credit Union is lending its support to The Gathering Inn by collecting personal care items this spring – typically the time of year when the nonprofit's organizers see fewer donations. "At this time of year, we tend to see a seasonal lull in donations, which makes community drives like these especially important," says The Gathering Inn Director of Philanthropy, Communications and Marketing Meredith Adams. "Personal hygiene items are always a critical need for our guests, as they support both health and dignity. These everyday essentials are part of the care and support that helps our guests focus on healing, rebuilding and moving toward sustainable housing." SAFE's "For Fresh Starts: Personal Care Items Drive for The Gathering Inn" kicks off to coincide with the credit union's grand opening celebration of its new Granite Bay branch at 1 p.m. Friday, March 20. The drive runs through Monday, April 27. Along with the Granite Bay location, donations can be brought to SAFE's West Roseville branch or to the lobby of the credit union's headquarters at 2295 Iron Point Road in Folsom. SAFE is accepting the following new and unopened items for the drive: body wash, conditioner, lip balm, deodorant, razors (3-blade disposable), shampoo, toothpaste and sunscreen. Donations will be used at The Gathering Inn's South Placer Emergency Shelter on Berkeley Avenue in Roseville. The location provides shelter and supportive services to men, women and families experiencing homelessness in Placer County. In addition to financial and youth/young adult education and workplace development, SAFE Credit Union focuses its philanthropic giving on programs that support affordable housing. "SAFE is happy to be working with The Gathering Inn once again to help provide immediate assistance to those living in the communities we serve," says SAFE Credit Union Community Impact Manager Lauren LeBov. "SAFE has been rooted in the Granite Bay and West Roseville communities and throughout Placer County for several years. We are continually seeking meaningful ways to directly support our neighbors." The Gathering Inn serves unsheltered residents of Placer County and the Sacramento region, providing shelter and comprehensive support services that help guests move toward sustainable housing. In 2024 alone, the organization served more than 922 guests and provided 84,304 sheltered nights. "Collection drives like this mean so much to The Gathering Inn and to the individuals and families we serve," Adams says. "We're incredibly grateful to SAFE Credit Union for rallying the community in support of our guests. Beyond meeting everyday needs, this drive reminds our guests that a caring community believes in them and stands beside them on their journey toward stability and sustainable housing."