Free personal hygiene pantry at Northwoods Children’s Museum

The Northwoods Children’s Museum (NCM) is expanding its commitment to supporting local families by adding a personal hygiene pantry, now open to the community. Made possible through the generosity of anonymous donor and the SMILE Grant, this new resource provides essential hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant and shampoo — available to those in need, no questions asked.

This addition build upon NCM’s existing partnership with Feed Our Rural Kids (FORK), which brought a supplemental food pantry inside the museum in 2024. The pantry offers convenient access to nutritious food and for families in need, available during museum hours. 

“The addition of a personal hygiene pantry was a natural next step after implementing the FORK pantry,” said NCM executive director Danielle Larsen. “When families are facing food insecurity, every dollar is prioritized for essentials like rent and utilities — often leaving personal care items out of reach. Unlike clothing or household goods that can be borrowed or thrifted, hygiene products must be purchased, making them an overlooked but critical need. By providing these items alongside food, we hope to ease some of the financial strain and ensure families have access to both nourishment and basic self-care necessities.”

Both pantries are available during museum hours Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To keep the hygiene pantry stocked, NCM is seeking donations from the community. Items must be new and unopened and can be dropped off at the museum, located at 246 W Division Street in Eagle River. 

For more information, please contact Danielle Larsen at [email protected] or 715-479-4623 ext. 0101.