When you think about donating items to those in need, food and clothing are often first on the list.  But what about those items that most of us take for granted every day?  Things like shampoo and conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, and soap.  These items, commonly called “personal care products” aren’t covered by government assistance program, and as we all know after a trip to the store to stock up, aren’t cheap.

Soap shouldn’t be a luxury, so Giving the Basics, a local nonprofit in Kansas City, is working hard to make sure everyone has access to the basic items needed for personal hygiene.  It’s about restoring human dignity and providing items that families are often too embarrassed to ask for, but can’t afford without assistance.

So How Can You Help?

1. Throw some extra toiletry items in your bag.  There will be collection bins at a number of the conference hotels, as well as near the registration desk at the conference.  Items needed include: shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, floss, Kleenex^TM, baby wipes, incontinence pads, soap, deodorant, trash bags, dishwashing liquid, Ziploc^TM baggies, cleaning products, feminine hygiene products, toothpaste, laundry detergent, diapers, and toilet paper.  Full-size and travel-size items will be accepted.  If you would like to save your suitcase space and ship items in advance, contact Susan Maier at susan.maier@jocogov.org
   

2. Consider making a monetary donation.  Giving the Basics is a registered 501(c)3 organization.  You can make a monetary donation directly to Giving the Basics at: http://www.givingthebasics.org/donations
   
   

3. Learn more during the Field Demo. The Conference Host Committee has organized an opportunity for conference attendees to participate in a field demo that will travel to Giving the Basics’ underground cave storage area, help package donated items, and learn how Giving the Basics collects and disperses human dignity items to food pantries and major school districts in the region.  The bus trip takes five minutes and there is no charge for this field demo, but advanced registration is required.  

For more information about Giving the Basics, visit: http://www.givingthebasics.org/