1 February 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Inside a warehouse in Park City, volunteers work like a well-oiled machine.
“There’s always something that needs to be packaged,” Cindy Heady, a volunteer, said.
Heady has volunteered with Simply Hygiene for nearly four years.
“It’s just a small, small way to make a big difference,” she said.
The nonprofit washes away the financial burden of hygiene items, like toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, and shampoo.
“When families are struggling and trying to decide to pay for food or rent, a lot of times, hygiene essentials, you know, you just run out,” Megan Kice, Simply Hygiene executive director, said.
The organization gives away over a dozen different everyday essentials for free. In 2023, they gave away 1.5 million items.
“We hear a lot about toothbrushes. If you don’t have a toothbrush at home or you’re a family of six sharing rather than having your own toothbrush, it really impacts your dental health, your self-confidence at school,” Kice explained.
Local schools and other nonprofits come by monthly to pick up items.
“It’s huge because of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. If you don’t have your basic needs met, you can’t meet your self-actualization. Getting that basic need really helps them do the very best that they can,” Rachel Abdulaziz, Clark Davidson Elementary School’s social worker, said.
Each essential gives a fresh perspective.
“It gives them dignity just like you and I have every day,” Heady said.
These things, often taken for granted, are starting a domino effect into success.
There are several ways to support Simply Hygiene and its mission. They host Dignity Drives, bringing barrels into the community to collect donations. Every first Wednesday night of the month, they host a community packing night. Click here to learn more and sign up.