Hi there! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? But we’ve been busy—busy building hope, restoring dignity, and ensuring that something as fundamental as hygiene isn’t a barrier to health, success, or happiness for anyone. So, in case we haven’t had the chance to connect recently, we’re here to re-introduce ourselves with a renewed sense of purpose, energy, and, of course, a deep commitment to making hygiene accessible for everyone—no matter their circumstances.

Together, we’ve done so much, but there’s still so much more to be done. So, let’s refresh, re-engage, and dive into how we’re making an impact across the nation.

Who We Are

At Giving the Basics, we are a hygiene hub, on a mission to end hygiene poverty.

But what does that mean? It means we believe that everyone deserves the dignity that comes with feeling clean—whether it’s a child raising their hand in class without fear of embarrassment or a job-seeker walking into an interview confident that their appearance won’t be a barrier to their success. It means providing the most basic of personal care items to those in need—items that many of us take for granted—because hygiene is not a privilege, it’s a right.

Giving the Basics is a powerful network of volunteers, partners, and donors who are committed to providing hygiene essentials at no cost to individuals and families across the country. Through donations of personal care items, logistical partnerships, and a network of distribution points, we make sure that the basics are always within reach for those who need them most.

When it comes to the everyday products that affect our health, dignity, and confidence—everyone deserves them. But some people don’t have them. And that’s where we come in.

What We Do

So, what does all this look like in action?

Last year, we made a difference in the lives of thousands of people—students, families, seniors, individuals experiencing homelessness—and so many more. We focus on one thing: providing hygiene essentials where they are needed most. Our efforts are felt in local pantries, schools, senior centers, police stations, and child welfare agencies, creating hygiene safety nets in communities across the nation.

We believe that by coming together as a community, we can ensure that no one has to face the everyday challenges of life without the basic hygiene essentials to stay clean. Through the incredible efforts of our volunteers, partners, and supporters, we’re building a future where feeling clean is a starting point, not a luxury.

Here’s just a snapshot of the work we’ve done in 2024:

• 3.4 million people served
• 10.7 million products distributed
• 3,611 volunteers making a difference
• 2,376 community partners and locations reached

These numbers don’t just represent quantities—they represent dignity, hope, and a new opportunity for someone to feel confident, clean, and empowered.

Why We Do It

When you ask us why we do what we do, the answer is simple: because everyone deserves the basics.

And sometimes, that simple thing—a bar of soap, toothpaste, toilet paper—can make all the difference in the world. We see it every day in the stories of individuals whose lives are changed by the access to hygiene that so many of us take for granted.

Take, for instance, the story of one of the students we helped last year. This student shared:

“After I received the donations from Giving the Basics, I was coming to school feeling clean and confident. Much better than I had felt in a long time. I started reaching out and talking to people, because I wasn’t afraid anymore of what they would think of my appearance or my smell.”

Hear the full story:

This story is just one of many, and it’s the reason we do what we do every day. Because it’s not just about hygiene products—it’s about hope, dignity, and a fresh start.

Join Us

So, as we re-introduce ourselves, we ask you to come alongside us once more. We invite you to join our mission to eliminate hygiene poverty in America.

Every donation, whether large or small, helps us provide more essential products to people in need. More soap, more deodorant, more toothpaste, and more hope for a better future. It’s simple: when you give, you are empowering dignity, building confidence, and providing an essential stepping stone for health, education, and success. Hygiene isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about giving people the chance to show up fully in life.

Donate now to make an immediate impact, and let’s continue working together to create a world where everyone has access to the basics. Thank you for taking the time to reconnect with us. Together, we can make 2025 the year we make hygiene poverty a thing of the past. Will you join us?