Bringing Needed Items to Migrant Worker Camps, 1983

From Tar Heel Homemaker, Winter 1983

One of Wayne County Extension Homemakers’ projects for 1982 was to make hygiene kits for migrant workers who came to the county in September.

Kits made for workers staying in two camps in the county contained towels, washcloths, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and lotions. These were carried to the camps and presented to the workers individually. During one of the visits it was discovered that bed linens and clothing were also needed, so these were included in our next visit along with blankets as the nights were beginning to be cooler.

Also, on the second trip toys were taken to the small ones. To these children it was like Christmas in September. The smiles and love that were received gave members a warm feeling and much satisfaction from helping brighten the lives of their fellow men.

The clothes were also very well received, as the children attend county schools while their parents are working in the area.

So many negative remarks have been made about conditions found at such migrant camps, however, this was not the case at the camps EH members visited. The houses were kept clean and each worker had a private room furnished with a bed. The kitchens were equipped with stoves, refrigerators, sinks and hot and cold running water. Their dining hall was spacious and screened in with tables and benches. At the time of one visit, a meal was being prepared and the aroma was so good it make taste buds savor. The baths were equipped with hot and cold water and included shower stalls.

This project proved to be one of the more rewarding projects of the year. It involved the efforts of 10 clubs.