Our Story

Our Story

Identifying the Need

Giving the Basics started in the Midwest in 2009 to assist a single mother in need of toilet paper.

The young mother had been to the grocery store with a government card in hand, only to discover hygiene products, like soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and laundry detergent are not covered by any kind of government assistance programs. The hygiene products were removed from her cart as she went through the check out. Embarrassed and confused, she walked away knowing she and her young family would likely have to go without these products. After becoming overwhelmed, she reached out to a close friend for help and her needs and those of her children were immediately met.

Our Story
The Giving the Basics Story
When our founder heard about her friend’s need for basic hygiene products, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this single mom wasn’t alone in her struggle.

She couldn’t help but think to herself “There Are Others. There Are More.”

There Are Others. There Are More.

While this young mother worked hard to get back on her feet, the Giving the Basics team was quickly and quietly working behind the scenes, to develop a strategic way to help hundreds of thousands of other people in the community also in desperate need of hygiene products. Happily, Giving the Basics was born! Improved health, hope and dignity were right around the corner for so many people.

Expanding The Impact

After a formal launch in 2011, Giving the basics since been blessed with incredible growth. Teaming up with over 2,000 locations, including local schools, pantries, police departments and senior centers to distribute our much needed hygiene products to those in need, we are now reaching over 3 million people on a regular basis. Wonderful and generous people have stepped forward to help us build a stronger and more focused community.

Board of Directors

Teresa Hamilton

Founder
President and CEO
Giving the Basics

Email: TeresaH@GivingtheBasics.org

Phone: 913.208.3611

Stacey Howe

Board Chairman
SVP Brand Development
Hallmark Corporation

Email: Stacey.Howe@Hallmark.com

Phone: 816.545.0736

Ron Edelman

Partner
Edelman & Thompson

Email: REdelman@etkclaw.com

Phone: 816.561.3400

Chris Hutchings

President
Cerris Systems

Email: CHutchings@MMCContractors.com

Phone: 816.446.9271

Heath Hoobing

Attorney
Seigfreid Bingham P.C.

Email: HHoobing@sb-kc.com

Phone: 816.265.4164

Brian Leitner

Head of Wealth Management
Mariner Wealth

Email: Brian.Leitner@MarinerWealthAdvisors.com

Phone: 913.387.2747

Kristi Macaluso

Chief People Officer
KBP Brands

Email: KMacaluso@kbpbrands.com

Phone: 816.977.4507

Andrew Miller

Benefits Advisor
The Miller Group

Email: AndrewM@MillerCares.com

Phone: 913.292.6501

Bill Marshall

President
Moonshot Innovations

Email: BMarshall@moonshot-solutions.com

Phone: 913.800.7030

Anna Marie Vogel

Retired Civil Engineer
Community Volunteer

Email: AnnaMarieVogel@gmail.com

Phone: 913.387.2747

Jake Waldenmeyer

Director, Wealth Management
Gries Financial Partner

Email: JakeWaldenmeyer@gmail.com

Phone: 913.653.6400

Jack Montgomery

Assistant Vice President
Commerce Bank

Email: Jack.Montgomery@CommerceBank.com

Phone: 913.991.3462

Tom Holcomb

Advisor to the Board

We believe every person deserves to have an opportunity for dignity. Being able to be clean and presentable can drastically change the trajectory of a person’s life.