Our Story
Our Story
Identifying the Need
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.
She couldn’t help but think to herself
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
Brian Leitner
Head of Wealth Management
Mariner Wealth
Email: Brian.Leitner@MarinerWealthAdvisors.com
Phone: 913.387.2747
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
