West Side Boutique Coordinator Nancy Robert says she likes to see smiles on the faces of people coming to the soup kitchen – even behind the face masks necessitated by pandemic protocol.

Personal hygiene products and chocolate sweets do the trick, she says.

The boutique is always in need of toiletries, such as shaving cream, razers, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo, and toilet paper.

“And we especially need chocolate candy bars,” she notes. “Chocolate just puts a smile on one’s face. It’s amazing how it lifts one’s spirit.”