As professional and college football teams begin preparing for their 2023 seasons, many have dreams of playing in big, championship bowl games in front of thousands of fans. But now we can participate in a bowl competition that will improve the lives of thousands of our brothers and sisters who are incarcerated in Philadelphia prisons.

It’s the first-ever Toiletry Bowl! That’s right: Toiletry Bowl. And it will run from June 15 to August 15.

There are about 7,000 people incarcerated in the Philadelphia Prison System. The hotel/travel-sized toiletries they receive when they arrive do not last long—not long at all. And many do not have the resources or family support they need to purchase more toiletry items from the expensive prison commissary.  

The Rev. Carmelo Urena, Director of Chaplaincy/Religious Services, has asked us to help. We responded wonderfully to his 2022 appeal for underwear. Our “Undies for Easter” campaign collected and provided over 5,000 undergarments for incarcerated men and women who receive only one pair when they arrive.

Now the urgent need is for toiletries—specifically toothpaste, bar soap, deodorant and hand cream.  Each of these items (two brands each) will be available for purchase…, etcA variety of toiletries (two brands each) will be available for anyone to purchase and donate on our Amazon Toiletry Bowl Gift Registry (https://tinyurl.com/toiletry-bowl).

 These small items will make a big difference in the lives of many persons in prison.

Simply select the delivery option for EPAUMC Prison Ministry, c/o Grove United Methodist Church, 490 West Boot Road, West Chester, PA  19380. Your purchase will be shipped directly to the EPA Prison Ministry & Restorative Justice Team’s office.

We will announce the “winning” brands for each toiletry item, as well as the collected totals at the conclusion of the campaign. We’ll then deliver the items to the head chaplain for distribution to our brothers and sisters who need them.

The collection will run from June 15 until August 15.

Questions?  Contact Rev Marilyn Schneider, Coordinator of EPA Prison Ministry & Restorative Justice, at prisonministries@epaumc.org.

Thank you for sharing God’s love by supporting persons who are entering incarceration in Philadelphia.

We invite all Eastern PA and Greater New Jersey conference members and friends to please participate.  Use the link for the Amazon Toiletry Bowl Gift List to donate your selected items.