About Giving the Basics

Giving the Basics was founded in 2011 in Kansas City on the premise that no one should go without the basic items needed to be clean and live a normal life.  Basic hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, toilet paper, and toothpaste are essential for human dignity, self worth, and general good health. Unfortunately, these items are not covered by government assistance.  Schools and food pantries are not able to stock hygiene items in quantities to fill this need.

Giving the Basics started it's first affiliate program in Wichita, Kansas in January 2019 and has grown by partnering with 16 non-profit organizations and 24 local schools to distribute personal care items. Giving the Basics distributes free hygiene products through a consistent monthly ordering process and works with nurses, teachers, social workers, counselors, administrators, local pantries, shelters, and other 501(c)3's, the Wichita police department, and the Wichita fire department to determine how we can best serve the students in local Wichita schools and children and adults in need in the greater Wichita area. This idea was generated on the premise that we have seen countless children unclean, being bullied due to poor hygiene, or unable to attend school do to various hygiene related issues. We are proud to be able to help serve the Wichita community and we hope to bring dignity, health, and the opportunity to thrive to children and adults through our hygiene hub.