Could you be a volunteer at Hygiene Hub?

Hygiene Hub was established by Ciára Dalton, Sorcha Killian, and Rosie McDonagh, three women with diverse backgrounds in human rights, start-ups, and fundraising.

Witnessing the deepening impact of poverty within their own communities, they united under a single conviction: hygiene poverty has no place in Ireland.

What began as a grassroots effort, collecting essentials from friends, family, and local business drop-off points, has evolved into a national network.

Today, every item collected is channeled directly to frontline services and community organisations where the need is greatest.

Since its inception, Hygiene Hub has mobilised the collection of more than 100,000kg of hygiene products. Operating across 11 locations nationwide, the charity maintains a steady supply chain through corporate partnerships, community drives, and direct purchasing.

This infrastructure allows Hygiene Hub to support an average of 20,000 individuals every quarter, ensuring that essential care reaches all four corners of Ireland.

Cork Hub

Our impact in Cork continues to grow through dedicated local support:

16 Drop-off points and 25 Community Partners.

7,190kg distributed to date (2,843kg in 2025 alone).

Seven active local volunteers, many of us working full-time in other roles.

Products are donated to people experiencing homelessness, poverty, physical or mental health challenges, survivors of domestic or gender-based violence, and those seeking international protection or asylum.

Why It Matters

Access to hygiene is a matter of fundamental dignity. It eliminates the ‘forced choice’ between food, bills, and cleanliness.

When people have access to basic essentials, they can attend school or work with confidence and care for their families with pride.

Hygiene Hub’s model is built on relationships; by strengthening frontline services and responding to emerging needs, we create the necessary space for individuals to recover, grow, and thrive.

A 2023 research project found that 65.1% of respondents had personally experienced difficulty affording essential hygiene items in the previous 12 months.

Some 72.2% of households with children under 17 experienced hygiene poverty.

The issue also cuts across income groups; 56.1% of full-time workers and 70.5% of part-time workers reported struggling.

Also, 61.2% of parents had to choose between buying hygiene items for themselves or for their children.

Ways to Support Hygiene Hub Cork

Here are three ways we need help:

1. Volunteer Your Time

We need regular volunteers and welcome any commitment you can make, with a minimum ask of three hours per month. Whether you can give four hours a week or five hours a month, your time is crucial for:

Organising donations at our hub.

Collecting items from our various donation points.

Delivering essential supplies to our local community partners (a car is essential)

2. Donate Personal Care Goods

If you are unable to volunteer, you can still help by donating goods. Please drop off unopened, in-date personal care items at a designated local point.

Our current high-priority needs include: laundry detergent, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, and toothpaste.

3. Organise a Collection Drive or Become a Drop-off Point

Host a Hygiene Drive: Rally your friends, family, or colleagues for a week-long collection effort.

Even collecting just one or two items per person results in a substantial donation for the local community.

Become a Regular Drop-off Point: Provide the space, and we will supply the signage and manage the collection services.

Community Voices: What people say about Hygiene Hub

“Hygiene Hub has tapped into a fundamental need. If you can offset the cost of nappies, shower gel, or razors, it gives people the breathing space to make healthier choices elsewhere, like the food they eat.”

“Particularly when there are children involved, we know these donations make a massive difference.”

“At Christmas, we received actual presents from Hygiene Hub with hand-written notes. I remember that distinctly. It’s that human approach and consideration that isn’t found everywhere.”