Volunteer Spotlight Series: Meet the People Behind the Mission

Volunteering with Giving the Basics is more than just packing boxes — it’s about restoring dignity, one toothbrush, one bar of soap, and one confident smile at a time. Every volunteer who walks through our warehouse doors becomes part of a powerful movement fighting hygiene poverty in the Kansas City community.

In this Volunteer Spotlight, we’re excited to introduce you to two incredible corporate volunteer leaders who have become true champions of our mission.

Laura Reed – Volunteer Coordinator, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City

Laura first discovered Giving the Basics through her role managing employee volunteering at Blue KC. She came out for that very first shift and “fell in love with the mission and the vision.”

“You come in, you’re greeted, and you watch this wonderful video that really highlights the work they do in the community and how beneficial it is. Some of these things that you would think everybody has access to — you really get to know that it is hard for some people to have a toothbrush and toothpaste, to brush their teeth and wash their bodies.”

Laura especially appreciates the full experience: the impactful orientation video, the warehouse tour, hands-on packing with teammates, writing personal notes, and seeing the exact impact numbers at the end of every shift.

When asked what she would write in one of those recipient notes, Laura shared:

“You’re not alone. You’ve got this. Just because you may not have access to everything someone right next to you has doesn’t mean you’re any less capable of achieving great things.”

She emphasizes how something as basic as hygiene products builds confidence for kids heading to school and adults working to rebuild their lives:

“Giving the Basics really helps start at ground zero with kids… You can show up to school with a little more self-confidence and be on the same page as other kids.”

If she had to choose one word to describe Giving the Basics, Laura says it’s simple: hope.

Seth Novero – Employee Volunteer Program Coordinator, Laminate Works

Laminate Works is located just down the street from the Giving the Basics warehouse, making Giving the Basics a natural neighborhood partner. Seth helps run his company’s employee volunteer program and was introduced to us when a coworker spotted our sign.

“We’ve done a number of projects with about 30 different nonprofits in the area… Out of all the different volunteer projects we do, this has the largest turnout every time.”

Seth says two things drive that enthusiasm: proximity and the satisfaction of the work.

“It’s the close proximity, and it’s during working hours when most people can do it. But the projects are fun, we get to communicate and socialize together, and we’re very competitive… we compete with each other for bragging rights going back to work.”

What keeps bringing his team back is the meaningful impact they didn’t even know existed before:

“We’ve never heard of anything like it… This was the only one that covered a need we didn’t know existed. When we watch the video, we always leave feeling like, ‘Wow, we didn’t realize how people can struggle with this.’”

Seth connects deeply with the mission on a personal level:

“Dignity and self-worth… When you feel better about yourself, you put out more positive energy. Giving the Basics taps into that from a very tangible place. Everyone wants to feel loved and seen.”

He also reflects on his own childhood and his children:

“I was bullied… I know that feeling. Knowing that Giving the Basics addresses that issue… and imagining my own kids going through that breaks my heart. Programs like this mean a lot.”

The Real Impact of Volunteering

Through April 2026, 99 volunteer groups like Blue KC and Laminate Works have come together to make an extraordinary difference:

• 1,933 volunteers have served
• 3,404 volunteer hours contributed
• $118,408 in labor costs saved for the nonprofit
• Over 1 million hygiene products processed and distributed to schools, food pantries, shelters, and community partners across the Kansas City area

These numbers represent real dignity restored — fewer children missing school because of hygiene issues, families regaining confidence, and hope delivered through the most basic of essentials.

Want to Join the Movement?

Whether you come as an individual, with your family, or as part of a company group, volunteering at Giving the Basics is designed to be meaningful, fun, and impactful. You’ll leave knowing exactly how many items you helped prepare and how many people in your community will benefit.

Ready to sign up?  Reserve your spot! We’d love to welcome you to the warehouse!