Because of you, what was once a painful memory for one child is now hope for another. The volunteer who shared this story remembers being bullied because their family didn’t always have the basics.

That experience shaped their future — leading them to a career serving children facing similar challenges, and ultimately bringing them to give back through volunteering with Giving the Basics.

Today, because of your support, millions of hygiene products have been distributed to people we may never meet — but whose confidence, health, and dignity are forever changed. 

Why Hygiene Impacts Attendance 

Hygiene insecurity isn’t just about feeling clean — it’s about whether a student shows up to school at all. Educators report that poor access to essential products like soap, shampoo, deodorant, or menstrual supplies leads students to skip class to avoid embarrassment or discomfort.



In one survey, 34% of teachers said students missed school due to hygiene issues, and that figure rose to 42% among older students. 

That’s why this April, we’re working to provide 300,000 hygiene items to local schools through our Spring Showers Drive. 

You can help by donating next month or signing up your company or group today.

Thank You February Volunteer Groups

136,000

Items Packaged

309

Volunteers

486

Volunteer Hours

Corporate Groups

Stella Maris | Laminate Works | Examinetics | Harrah’s KC | Garney | Commerce Bank | Amazon FOE-1 | Devoted Health | National Association of Insurance Commissioners | KU Health Systems | NFM | Blue KC | Quanta Infrastructure 

Community Groups

USD 232 | Christian Faith Academy | Imagine That! | Ms Anderson's Post High School Class | Shawnee Mission North IR | Shawnee Mission North Post High School

Several teams have signed up for our Spring Showers drive, happening April 1-30, but we are looking for 15 more.

What is it? Spring Showers is a virtual drive where we have a goal to provide 300,00 items to local students. 

Who can participate? Short answer—any type of group!

What are you asking me to do? Sign up your team, then share the donation link with your team members and network. We'll provide everything you need!

Shoutout to CBIZ! During one of the busiest times of the year for accountants, the CBIZ team turned busy season into a season of giving.

Led by their interns, their drive brought employees together through friendly competition, networking, and a shared goal of helping students and families in need.



The result? More than $11,000 raised to help provide essential hygiene products to local schools and community partners. We’re grateful for partners like CBIZ who show how workplace giving can create real community impact. 

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