Providing Products For Human Dignity
Providing Products For Human Dignity

Author: gtbadmin

Corporate CSR: Why Volunteering Wins – July

14 August 2025
gtbadmin
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Categories: Uncategorized

NFM Volunteers

NFM Volunteers

At Giving the Basics, July was bursting with purpose and people. Our warehouse was full of momentum as corporate volunteer groups from across the region came together for one shared goal: helping families live with dignity. From hygiene order packing to team huddles and high-fives, every shift proved exactly why volunteering wins—for the community and for corporate culture.

When Corporate Social Responsibility Goes Beyond a Buzzword

For today’s companies, corporate social responsibility (CSR) isn’t just a trend—it’s a way to build culture, deepen employee engagement, and demonstrate values in action. Giving the Basics makes CSR easy, meaningful, and impactful. By volunteering with us, companies turn ordinary workdays into extraordinary service.

And the results? Cleaner hands. Brighter futures. Stronger teams.

Our corporate volunteers aren’t just filling boxes—they’re filling gaps. They’re restoring dignity to neighbors who can’t afford basic hygiene items, while building unity and morale inside their own organizations.

“Volunteering at Giving the Basics opened my eyes to how much need is right here in my community. Their mission and work are touching so many lives, and I feel honored I got to help them and be a part of that mission today.”
— Spotlight Analyst Relations

The Impact: July by the Numbers

July was a powerful reminder that when businesses give back, communities rise. Through your corporate donations and hands-on help, essential hygiene products are now on their way to local schools, shelters, and pantries.

  • 13 corporate volunteer groups joined us
  • 465 total volunteers packed and sorted supplies
  • 254,594 hygiene items distributed across the community
CBIZ volunteers
Team CBIZ finishing a powerful shift of service at Giving the Basics.

These numbers reflect more than productivity—they represent people. Families. Students. Seniors. Real lives made better because your team showed up.

“Volunteering not only gives back to the community but also builds our community.”
— CBIZ

“I really enjoyed my experience at Giving the Basics. It makes my heart full and happy knowing that we are changing lives in our community and helping others in need.”
— Seaboard Corporation

Why Volunteering Wins: Stories from the Floor

Every group that comes through Giving the Basics brings something unique—enthusiasm, creativity, and heart. But what they all leave with is the same: a sense of purpose, pride, and a stronger team.

City Wide

City Wide

CRB Group

CRB Group

Insperity

Insperity

Savion

Savion

NFM

Seaboard

Seaboard Corporation

Sandberg Phoenix

H&H Group

Spotlight

Spotlight

Blue KC

Blue KC

CBIZ

CBIZ

Newmark Zimmer

Wise Wealth

Wise Wealth

Laminate Works

KU Health System – Respiratory Care

Why Giving the Basics?

At Giving the Basics, we fight hygiene poverty—the silent crisis that keeps people from going to work, school, or job interviews simply because they lack access to soap, shampoo, deodorant, and other basics. We rely on community service and corporate partnerships to make this mission possible.

Your team doesn’t just contribute time—they change lives. They help children stay in school. They help adults regain confidence. They help families regain dignity.

And while they’re helping others, something powerful happens. They come together. They bond. They build something real—together.

Be Part of What’s Next

We’re already gearing up for the next round of corporate volunteer shifts—and there’s a place for your team.

Whether you’re focused on team building, fulfilling CSR goals, or simply want to do something meaningful together, Giving the Basics offers a high-impact, turnkey experience your employees will love.

Make the Next Meeting a Volunteer Shift

Your company has the power to make a difference—on the warehouse floor, and in the lives of thousands across our city.

Click here to schedule your corporate volunteer day

July Community Groups: Hygiene Heroes

14 August 2025
gtbadmin
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Categories: Events, Volunteer

Top 4 Ways to Get Involved in Community Service Through Giving the Basics

In July, our community showed up in a big way. From church groups to scout troops to neighborhood friends, we saw what happens when people care deeply—and act boldly—to fight Hygiene Poverty. These volunteer teams became true Hygiene Heroes by giving their time, energy, and compassion to help Kansas City families live with dignity.

Here are the Top 4 Ways You Can Join the Movement:

  1. Volunteer Onsite

    Whether it was sorting soap, assembling orders, or stacking shelves, community groups got their hands (and hearts) into the work. Volunteering together made a lasting impact—and brought plenty of smiles along the way.

    Community Volunteers July

    Children’s Hospital Association of 2029 Volunteers

    “Coming here today to assemble kits was so inspiring! The team was also incredibly kind and organized – it’s no wonder they’ve been able to reach so many in need.”
    – Children’s Hospital Association

    “I really liked how many organizations Giving the Basics serves. My experience was very eye opening that I got to be a part of the efforts in helping people get the hygiene resources they deserve.”
    – Sion Class of 2029

  2. Host a Hygiene Drive

    Several groups rallied their schools, churches, and neighborhoods to collect essential hygiene items. Hosting a drive is a creative, simple way to fight Hygiene Poverty from wherever you are.

    2029 Sion Class Volunteers

    Sion Class of 2029 Volunteers

    Interested in hosting your own? We’ll walk you through everything you need to know. Start here.

  3. Donate to Fuel the Mission

    Every dollar helps us provide free hygiene orders to schools, pantries, and shelters in need. Can’t make it to a volunteer shift? You can still make a meaningful difference right from home.

    “The basics are essential to life and knowing we were able to help others is so meaningful and something I can’t wait to come back and help again.”
    – Mission Adelante

    Donate here.

  4. Like & Share to Spread the Word

    Raising awareness is one of the easiest (and most powerful) forms of community service. When you post about hygiene poverty and tag Giving the Basics, you help others see the need—and the solution.

    Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to help us keep the momentum going!

A Special Thank You to These Amazing July Groups:

DeLaSalle

Want to Be a Hygiene Hero Next Month?

Whether you’re a parent looking for family volunteering, a student group ready to act, or a neighbor wanting to make a difference—we’d love to have you join us!

National Nonprofit Day: Our Hygiene Mission

6 August 2025
gtbadmin
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Categories: featured

National Nonprofit Day: Our Hygiene Mission

On August 17, National Nonprofit Day honors the impactful work of nonprofit organizations across the country. As a proud nonprofit rooted in dignity and compassion, Giving the Basics is taking this moment to reflect on our own journey—and how a simple idea grew into a powerful hygiene charity that now reaches millions of lives.

Giving the Basics began in the Midwest in 2009 when a young single mother, using a government assistance card, was forced to remove soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, laundry detergent—and even toilet paper—from her grocery cart because these items weren’t covered. Embarrassed and confused, she left the store knowing her family would likely go without. When our founder heard her story, she thought, “There are others. There are more.” That moment sparked a ripple effect. After officially launching in 2011, Giving the Basics partnered with schools, pantries, police departments, and senior centers—growing into America’s hygiene hub. Today, through the procurement, fulfillment, and distribution of essential hygiene products, we regularly serve over 3 million people across more than 2,000 locations—providing human dignity one bar of soap, toothbrush, or stick of deodorant at a time.

From our earliest days, we’ve grown into a trusted nonprofit partner for schools, shelters, food pantries, and more. Thanks to our growing network of supporters and passionate volunteers, we’ve distributed millions of hygiene products across the nation. We’re more than a hygiene hub—we’re a movement for human dignity.

This National Nonprofit Day, we celebrate the community that has made it all possible. You—our donors, our volunteers, our advocates—are the reason we’re able to keep expanding our reach and deepening our impact.

If you’re looking for a way to give back that’s simple but significant, volunteer with us. Share our story. Support a school. Or just follow along as we continue our mission. There’s always room for one more person in this movement.

Learn more about National Nonprofit Day.

Follow us on
Facebook,
Instagram, and
LinkedIn
to see how you can get involved!

5th Annual Scramble for Dignity Raises Over $50,000

6 August 2025
gtbadmin
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Categories: Events

Scramble For Dignity 2025

On Monday, July 28th, the greens of Falcon Ridge Golf Course in Lenexa were filled with local change-makers, driving to make a difference on, and off, the course. The 5th Annual Scramble for Dignity, hosted by our incredible partners at Moonshot Solutions, brought together generous sponsors, spirited golfers, and passionate advocates to raise more than $50,000 in support of Giving the Basics.

This wasn’t just a tournament—it was an act of community service in motion that will provide basic hygiene essentials like soap, deodorant and shampoo to thousands of students, families, individuals and seniors in Kansas City.

Corporate Giving in Action: Making Dignity Possible

Events like the Scramble for Dignity showcase how corporate donations go far beyond a budget line—they become a driving force behind the hands-on impact nonprofits like Giving the Basics make every day. Support from local businesses and corporate partners directly fund essential hygiene products that restore dignity, boost confidence, and bring hope to families across Kansas City. When companies invest in their communities, the ripple effect is powerful—improving school attendance, supporting mental and physical health, and helping families take meaningful steps toward financial stability.

Corporate giving also comes with business benefits: increased employee engagement, stronger brand reputation, and deeper community ties. Supporting events like this allows companies to align their values with action—and have a great time doing it.

More Fun on the Fairways

Beyond the spirited competition on the course, the 5th annual Scramble for Dignity delivered a full day of excitement and surprises along the way. Golfers tested their skills in the longest drive contest and the crowd-favorite “Putt for Your Favorite Bottle” challenge, while raffle prizes added an extra layer of fun.

The Kansas City Mavericks street team were also in attendance—handing out giveaways, hyping up participants, and taking fan photos throughout the course.


Scramble For Dignity 2025 Golf Team Scramble For Dignity 2025 Golf Team Scramble For Dignity 2025 Golf Team

Our Incredible Sponsors

A huge thank-you goes out to every business that made corporate donations to support this event. Whether you sponsored a team, donated prizes, or participated, your generosity is helping us provide hygiene items to students and families who are going without.

Why Events Like This Matter

Scramble for Dignity is more than a fundraiser—it’s a perfect example of how corporate donations and community service come together to meet real needs. The money raised will help us continue our mission of providing basic hygiene products—like soap, deodorant, toothpaste, and feminine care—to thousands across Kansas City.

When companies and communities unite for a cause, the results go far beyond a day on the green. They spark awareness, fuel dignity, and show what’s possible when we serve together.

Join In The Fun!

Whether you’re a business looking to get involved through corporate giving, a volunteer group ready to give back, or an individual who wants to make an impact—there’s a place for you at Giving the Basics.

Thank you again to all who made this day a success. If your business is interested in hosting an event like a golf tournament, contact Nick@GivingtheBasics.org.

Monthly Giving Helps Us Deliver Hygiene to Schools All Year

30 July 2025
gtbadmin
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Categories: Donations, School Hygiene

Why Monthly Giving Helps Us Deliver Hygiene to Schools All Year Long

As students prepare to return to the classroom, most are picking out new backpacks, shopping for school supplies, and looking forward to a fresh start. But for thousands of children across our region, back-to-school season is filled with anxiety—not about academics, but about hygiene.

At Giving the Basics, we know that clean hair, fresh breath, and basic self-care aren’t luxuries—they’re essential to a student’s success. That’s why we launched the Back to School Basics campaign—to invite supporters to become a part of the long-term solution in providing customized hygiene orders (not one-size fits all kits) for schools.

And it starts with one simple but powerful act: becoming a monthly donor.

Why Monthly Giving Makes the Biggest Impact

When you give monthly, you become more than a donor—you become a cornerstone of our mission. You ensure that kids have what they need not just for the first day of school, but every single day after that.
Here’s how your consistent support helps:

✅ Make a Year-Round Impact

Many students in our community rely on schools not only for meals and safety—but also for personal care. Your monthly gift ensures that every student has regular access to hygiene items that help them feel clean, confident, and ready to learn.

✅ Support Smart, Sustainable Growth
Monthly donations help us plan ahead and reduce costs. With predictable support, we can respond faster when schools request more products, expand to new districts, and reduce administrative overhead.

✅ Be Part of a Community That Cares

You’ll join the Hygiene Hub Club—a group of compassionate individuals committed to restoring dignity and confidence to children and families across the region.

Why Join the Hygiene Hub Club?

When you choose to give monthly, you become an essential part of our Hygiene Hub Club—a dedicated community of supporters helping us bring dignity, confidence, and health to over 1,200 schools, pantries, and shelters throughout our region. As a valued member, you’ll receive a personalized welcome packet, inspiring updates that show the real impact of your generosity, and exclusive invitations to special events that connect you even more deeply to our mission.

Who Are You Helping With Your Monthly Gift

Imagine this…a 12 year old girl, doing her best to make good grades as well as friends. In her home, soap is a luxury that mom can’t afford. At school, she fears the whispers of classmates—her hair unwashed, no deodorant. When her period hits, she uses folded tissues, skipping class to avoid shame. But she isn’t alone, thousands face this struggle every day.

With the help of Giving the Basics donors, students like her are finding relief, confidence, and dignity. Here is the story of one student who received the basics:

“Having access to hygiene products at school has really helped me. There were times I didn’t have what I needed, and it was embarrassing to ask for help. But thanks to Giving the Basics, I could get things like shampoo, deodorant, and even tampons without feeling ashamed. It made me feel more confident and comfortable at school. I’m really grateful for the support.”

When you give monthly, you’re helping students like this one every single month.

Why It Matters Now

Demand is surging—and in 2025 alone, over 225 Kansas schools have partnered with us to receive hygiene items. From students missing class to low self-esteem and health risks, the effects of hygiene poverty ripple far and wide.

“There’s nothing worse than seeing a student avoid participation because of body odor or lack of supplies,” one educator shared. “Access to hygiene changes everything.”

While back-to-school season is a natural moment to step up support, hygiene poverty doesn’t disappear after September. Monthly giving is how we keep up. It’s how we ensure no child walks into a classroom worrying about body odor or unwashed hair. It’s how we help students show up—*and belong.*

Ready to Join?

For as little as $12 a month, you can provide shampoo, feminine hygiene, and deodorant for a student.

For $25 a month, you can provide a full hygiene package with all the basics.

No matter your amount, your commitment creates lasting change.

🎒 This back-to-school season, let’s go beyond supplies. Let’s give confidence. Let’s give dignity. Let’s give the basics—together.

👉 Become a Monthly Donor Today

Why We Don’t Do Hygiene Kits the Traditional Way

30 July 2025
gtbadmin
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Categories: Hygiene Poverty, School Hygiene

Why We Don't Do Hygiene Kits

How Our Customized, Dignity-First Approach Changes Lives—One Order at a Time

In the world of nonprofits, “hygiene kits” have become a go-to solution for well-meaning individuals and organizations looking to support those in need. A pre-packed bag of soap, toothpaste, and shampoo feels like a quick, helpful fix. But at *Giving the Basics*, we’ve learned that hygiene poverty isn’t one-size-fits-all—and neither should the solution be.

Instead of packing identical kits, we partner directly with schools, shelters, senior centers, police departments, and more to create monthly, customized orders tailored to their specific needs. It’s not the traditional way—but it’s the way that ensures every product makes the greatest possible impact.

Why Traditional Hygiene Kits Fall Short

Imagine you’re a school nurse. You’ve got 20 students who need help this month—but 10 need deodorant, 5 are looking for period products, and a few boys just asked for shaving razors. Then you receive 25 hygiene kits filled with the same soap, comb, and travel-sized shampoo. Half of it will sit unused, while your students still go without the dignity they deserve.

That’s why we flipped the model.

Our nonprofit doesn’t distribute pre-packed hygiene kits. Instead, we let our partners order exactly what they need, when they need it.
This approach not only reduces waste, but ensures every donated product finds the right hands at the right time. It restores dignity in a way that truly meets people where they are.

Eliminating Barriers for Students

For many parents and caregivers, the idea that a child would miss school—or be too embarrassed to participate—because they don’t have soap or deodorant is heartbreaking. It’s one thing to hear about academic barriers, but it’s another to learn that a lack of hygiene essentials is what’s holding a student back.

That’s why our approach matters. Instead of sending one-size-fits-all hygiene kits that may not meet a school’s needs, we work directly with school nurses and counselors to provide the exact items students are asking for. That means when a child builds up the courage to say, “I need toothpaste,” or “Do you have pads?”—we’re ready.

For those who want their giving to make a tangible, personal impact on the lives of kids and families, our model ensures that every donation turns into dignity.

It’s Flexibility—and Follow-Through

Companies and donation managers often want their contributions to go farther—to be fast, flexible, and clearly impactful. That’s exactly what we’re built for.

By not relying on traditional hygiene kits, we’re able to respond in real time. When someone offers a large donation of toothpaste or deodorant, we can say “yes” without hesitation—and quickly get those products into the hands of those who need them most.

We also take the time to show how it made a difference, with transparent impact reports and consistent communication. Our partners know that their generosity is respected, stewarded well, and deeply appreciated.

When giving back is part of your role—or your company’s culture—you want to work with a nonprofit that treats you like a true teammate. That’s us.

Why It Works

Our customized model makes us more than a hygiene nonprofit—we become a reliable, relationship-driven partner.

  • Schools know their students will get the products that reduce bullying, increase attendance, and boost self-esteem.
  • Shelters can serve clients with dignity, offering period products or razors without hesitation.
  • Senior centers don’t get stuck with items their residents won’t use—they get what brings comfort and confidence.
  • Police officers have what they need in the moment when they’re helping someone in crisis.

This is what Dignity Delivered really looks like.

Want to Help? Here’s How.

If you’ve ever packed a hygiene kit before, we love your heart—and we invite you to go one step further:

  • Host a product drive and collect the most-needed items from our current list
  • Volunteer with your group to sort and prepare customized orders for pickup
  • Donate monthly so we can respond to evolving needs all year long
  • Partner as a business to make a bigger, more lasting community impact

With your help, we’re not just distributing products. We’re restoring dignity. One order at a time.

Back to School Basics

29 July 2025
gtbadmin
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Categories: Drives, Events, School Hygiene

back to school basics

As kids head back to school, many face a challenge we don’t always see: lack of basic hygiene essentials. Without soap, deodorant, or toothpaste, it’s hard for them to feel confident and focus in class. Thanks to your generosity, we’re helping students meet these needs — but the demand is ongoing. For just $12/month, you’ll provide shampoo, deodorant, and feminine hygiene items to a student who can’t afford them. You’ll help them walk into school with confidence. You’ll give them a chance to learn and thrive.

Click Here to become a monthly donor and be a steady source of support for students in need.

America’s Hygiene Hub, A KSHB Spotlight

29 July 2025
gtbadmin
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Categories: Events

Discover how Giving the Basics, America’s Hygiene Hub, is transforming lives by tackling hygiene poverty. KSHB shows a glimpse into the impact being made, driven by its passionate founder and powered by thousands of dedicated volunteers. Learn how community generosity is providing essential hygiene products to those in need, creating lasting change.

Kids Volunteering: Why It’s Awesome!

22 July 2025
gtbadmin
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Categories: Volunteer

Community Service that Inspires, Educates, and Lasts a Lifetime

Kids Volunteering
Grace United 4th and 5th Grade Volunteers: https://graceumc.church/ministries/kids/

When kids get involved in community service, something amazing happens: they begin to see the world beyond themselves. This month at Giving the Basics, we were inspired by the energy, compassion, and joy that young volunteers brought through our doors. From sorting hygiene items to learning why access to basic dignity products matters, these kids weren’t just helping—they were growing.

Why do we believe community service is so important for kids? Because it builds empathy, responsibility, and teamwork. It shows them the power of small actions, and how their hands can make a big difference. It’s education in action—teaching compassion while doing something that really matters.

Ridgeview Elementary Volunteers
Ridgeview Elementary Volunteers: https://www.olatheschools.org/ridgeview/

“It made me feel good to help people who don’t have the stuff I use every day.” – 4th grader, Grace United
“Our kids asked if they could come back next week. That’s when you know it really clicked.” – St. Thomas the Apostle

This Month’s All-Star Community Volunteers

Here’s a round of applause for the amazing groups who showed up and served with heart:

  • Lake Quivira Mothers Club – Empowering little ones to lend a hand and model compassion.
  • McGroder Neighborhood Friends – Neighbors coming together to make an impact with their kids.
  • St. Thomas Apostle Camp – Bringing summer camp energy to real-world giving.
  • Rejoice Circle – St. Luke’s UMC – A joyful group dedicated to faith in action.
  • Kansas City Young Matrons – Longtime advocates for service, bringing the next generation with them.
  • Grace United 4th and 5th Grade – Students learning how community service builds stronger communities.
  • The Farmer’s House – Advocating for inclusion and hands-on learning through volunteer service.

Each group gave time, laughter, and effort—and reminded us that community service is better when we do it together.

St Thomas Apostles Campers Volunteers
St Thomas Apostles Campers Volunteers: https://stthomasop.org/summer-st-thomas-2025/

Education is Essential: Why Kids Should Volunteer

Kids who participate in community service don’t just help others—they gain confidence, learn gratitude, and develop leadership skills early. It gives them a sense of purpose, especially when they can see the direct impact of their efforts. At Giving the Basics, we believe this is where true education happens—when kids learn how to serve, advocate, and lead.

Want to raise compassionate, civic-minded kids? Bring them to volunteer. It’s fun, meaningful, and absolutely unforgettable.

Get Involved: Volunteer or Host a Drive!

Lake Quivira Mothers Club Volunteers
Lake Quivira Mothers Club Volunteers

Ready to jump in with your family, classroom, camp, or neighborhood group? Here’s how:

Volunteer Together – Bring your kids or youth group to help sort hygiene items.
Host a Drive – Collect items like soap, toothpaste, and deodorant in your school or neighborhood.
Spread the Word – Share your community service experience on social media and tag us!

Together, we can teach the next generation the value of dignity, service, and giving back.