How Our Volunteers Made the Holidays Brighter

Corporate Volunteers Sort a Donation Drive

The holiday season is often described as a time of generosity, reflection, and community. At Giving the Basics, that spirit came to life in a powerful way thanks to the 480 incredible volunteers from 38 organizations who gave their time, energy, and hearts to serve others.

Together, these volunteers helped package 307,755 essential hygiene items—items that mean comfort, confidence, and dignity for individuals and families facing hygiene insecurity. Behind every bar of soap, bottle of shampoo, and box of detergent was a person who chose to show up and make a difference.

More Than Volunteering—A Tradition of Impact

For many, volunteering with Giving the Basics has become a meaningful tradition.

“This is my fourth year working with Giving the Basics. It has become a tradition for us. We love the staff and how organized they are. Always very friendly. It is also a great time to connect with your friendly volunteers. Smiles all around. Thank you, you all are truly blessing our communities.”
— Heartland Coca-Cola Volunteer

These moments of connection—between volunteers, staff, and mission—are what turn a single shift into something lasting.

Seeing the Impact Firsthand

Hallcon Volunteers

Several volunteers shared how personal experiences deepened their understanding of why access to hygiene products matter.

“I worked closely with low-income students in a school where GTB is donated. I personally got to see how much the kids relied on these resources coming in and getting access to these resources to get them through the day.”
— Delta Dental Volunteer

For educators and caregivers, the basics aren’t abstract—they’re essential tools that help students focus, feel confident, and succeed.

“I was a KS teacher and once a month I would help to place these items in my students’ backpacks. They were always so grateful to give them to their parents and help save money.”
— Hallcon HR Volunteer

Rethinking the Basics We Take for Granted

Volunteering also sparked reflection—reminding many just how essential hygiene is to mental clarity, confidence, and self-worth.

“I realized how much I take the basics for granted. Sometimes I can’t think clearly or focus until I’ve had a shower. I am now thinking about all those who don’t have that luxury to help get a clear mind. I won’t be taking the basics for granted any longer.”
— Experis Volunteer

“If I didn’t have the basics, I wouldn’t feel comfortable in my own skin. I wouldn’t be my authentic self… can you imagine… not having these things?”
— Hallcon HR Volunteer

These reflections are at the heart of our mission: hygiene is not a luxury—it’s a foundation for dignity.

A Place to Give, Even on Hard Days

For some volunteers, serving others became a source of healing.

“My heart is heavy today. My dad just had a major stroke this week. Coming here today has lifted my spirits and has helped feel like I could help do something meaningful at a time in my life where I couldn’t help a loved one. The basics are vital! Thank you for all that you do for our community and the impact you are making.”
— Ryan Lawn & Tree Volunteer

Moments like these remind us that volunteering gives back to the giver, too.

Dignity Through Choice and Trust

Volunteers also shared appreciation for the way Giving the Basics delivers impact—through dignity, choice, and transparency.

“What I liked about Giving the Basics is not only their mission to help communities, but specifically the way they give people a choice instead of doing kits. I like how they want to make people feel like they’re ‘shopping’ and get to choose which products, scents, and brands they get. I hope it allows people to feel independent.”
— Henderson Engineering Volunteer

“I love that 90% of every dollar given goes towards the purchase of products. 10% operational cost is awesome. People who donate know that the money donated really does go towards what they donate it for.”
— Henderson Engineering Volunteer

“In a world of abundance, those that fall into unfortunate circumstances become forgotten. Giving the Basics serves an invisible and overlooked need. This is the most direct and impactful giving organization I’ve seen.”
— ProAthlete Volunteer

Ready to Make an Impact?

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do—and there’s always room for more hands and hearts. Whether you’re an individual, part of a business, or organizing a group, we offer meaningful volunteer opportunities that make a real difference for families in our community.

Volunteer with Giving the Basics and help provide dignity through access to essential hygiene items.

Learn more and sign up to volunteer