100+ Volunteers Pack Hygiene Kits for Kansas City Teens

Imagine missing school because you don't have deodorant or shampoo. For 42% of teens living in poverty, that's reality.

More than 100 volunteers gathered in Kansas City, Kansas, on April 11 to change that. They spent their Saturday morning packing hygiene essentials like shampoo, deodorant, laundry soap, and toilet paper for families who struggle to afford items most people never think twice about.

These products fall into a gap that government assistance programs don't cover. Families receiving food stamps can't use them to buy soap or toothpaste, leaving many kids without the basics they need to feel confident at school.

Caroline Wolverton, a high school volunteer, said helping others her age access these necessities means everything to her. "I get to help the community and others who aren't as fortunate," she said.

The nonprofit behind the effort, Giving the Basics, reaches students through school nurses and discreet locker drop-offs. Kids never have to ask out loud or face the embarrassment of requesting help in front of their peers.

Chandra Goebel, Co-Executive Director of Giving the Basics, said the organization wants all Kansas City students to have access to hygiene products they need to be successful, confident, and maintain their dignity.

The Ripple Effect

Creative Planning employees volunteered for the seventh consecutive year, trading their Saturday for packing duty. Jake Waldenmeyer, a wealth manager at the company, said the experience helps people recognize how fortunate they are to take these basics for granted and shows them opportunities to make a real difference.

The impact extends far beyond one Saturday morning. Giving the Basics distributed seven million products last year through its programs, reaching thousands of students across Kansas City who might otherwise skip school or face bullying.

Every dollar donated to the organization triples in impact through bulk purchasing and partnerships. The nonprofit needs volunteers and donations year-round to keep helping families access the dignity everyone deserves.

When kids have soap and shampoo, they show up to school ready to learn.