The annual April Showers donation event benefiting Valdar’s Market, a market for all students that provides necessities and food, has begun.

Valdar’s Market is seeking donations of hygiene products to support Del Mar College students and their families.

 While the market is able to purchase food and some household goods through their partnership with the Coastal Bend Food Bank, hygiene products are more difficult to come by. Because of this, the market hosts hygiene drives throughout the academic year to meet student needs.

The April Showers donation event focuses on collecting hygiene items. Now in its second year, the drive continues to grow.

“Last year, the April Showers event received 50 pounds of hygiene donations,” said Assistant Dean of Student Engagement and Retention Sara King.

The most requested items for the hygiene drive include deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, feminine hygiene products, razors, dental floss, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, hairbrushes, antibacterial ointment, nail clippers, first-aid products.

Valdar’s Market also hosts a school supply drive each August with the faculty and staff.

“Last year we received 100 pounds of school supplies in the week we hosted the school supply drive, and all of the items were gone before the end of the fall semester,” King said.

Any Del Mar College student who is currently enrolled is welcome to visit the market up to twice a month and receive up to 35 pounds of product per visit, or 70 pounds of product per month.

“During their visit if they only need hygiene products that’s perfect, these donations go towards those needs” King said. “Anything that our students need they are able to get.”

Some products that Valdar’s Market looks for year-round are hygiene products, baby products, spices, small appliances like can openers, food, and school supplies.

To donate to Valdar’s Market, go in person to any market on Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek campuses, or visit their website to learn more at delmar.edu/market.

Boxes have been placed throughout all three campuses where donations will be accepted through April 30.

Dropoff locations include:

Heritage Campus: Harvin Center Commons, Coles Building Lobby, and the Venter’s Building Lobby

Oso Creek Campus: Main Building Lobby, STEM Building Lobby, and the Culinary Institute Lobby

Windward Campus: Coleman Center Commons, Health Science Building 3 Lobby, and the Public Safety Lobby Classroom and Laboratory