Dignity is knowing you matter. That you count. Dignity extends beyond the basic necessities of food, shelter, and clean clothing. Sometimes it’s about having a toothbrush, some shampoo or even just a bar of soap. Having these basic necessities can make a difference in a life—and in the community—creating positive change. You and your organization can play a lead role in giving dignity.
Hygiene supply drives and bulk purchasing play a critical role in providing essential personal hygiene items and dignity to people experiencing homelessness or financial difficulties.
Hygiene drives are community-based initiatives that aim to improve the physical and mental well-being of the homeless and in-need population, which often lack access to basic hygiene supplies.
Or maybe your organization is ready to make a bulk purchase and forego the drive completely. Roonga has you covered with its strong relationships with suppliers who can provide the essentials.
What needs to be included in hygiene kits? We have some ideas.
Dental Hygiene Products:
When it comes to toothbrushes, it’s essential to choose soft-bristled ones to avoid damaging tooth enamel and gums. Fluoride toothpaste is also a great addition as it helps prevent cavities. And don’t forget about mouthwash! It’s a fantastic way to prevent bad breath and reduce the risk of gum disease.
Another tip to consider is adding a toothbrush holder to your hygiene kit. Toothbrush holders can help keep toothbrushes clean and last longer. Even though they may not be a standard inclusion in basic hygiene kits, they can make a significant difference in keeping your oral hygiene routine healthy and enjoyable.
Sanitation and PPE:
Sanitization and PPE items are crucial for preventing the spread of infectious diseases, especially in crowded areas. Face coverings/masks can help prevent the spread of colds and influenza. Sanitation wipes and hand sanitizer can help individuals maintain hand hygiene, which is critical for preventing the spread of germs.
Underwear and Socks:
We can all make a significant impact on the lives of those who may not have access to clean clothes by including clean underwear and socks in our hygiene kits. It’s easy to overlook how essential these items are, but they can provide a sense of dignity and comfort to those who need it most.
It’s crucial to remember that dirty or wet socks can lead to foot infections, blisters, or other foot problems, and not having clean underwear can lead to discomfort and infections. To avoid these issues, we should include new underwear and socks in our kits.
Homeless individuals often have to put dirty socks back on after washing their feet, which can lead to several health problems. That’s why new socks are incredibly valuable to them – they feel good and help defend against foot infections.
By including socks in our hygiene kits, we can meet a genuine need and show our care for the homeless and in-need population. It’s essential to prioritize including new socks in our kits to help individuals feel more comfortable and cared for. Let’s come together and make a positive impact in our communities.
Bathing Products:
When putting together hygiene kits, remember the impact that bathing products like shampoo, conditioner, soap, and towels can have on someone’s well-being and sense of dignity. By providing these items, we can help individuals maintain good hygiene, prevent infections, and promote self-care.
Be sure to include soap, shampoo, conditioner, washcloths, and towels for basic hygiene. But also include deodorant, razors, and shaving cream to help complete the package. Smelling fresh and being clean-shaven are beneficial to well-being.
Let’s work together to prioritize these important items in our hygiene kits and make sure that we’re doing our part to help those in need feel clean, refreshed, and cared for.
Menstrual Products:
Menstrual products like tampons, reusable pads, and disposable pads are often overlooked but are essential for ensuring menstrual hygiene and feminine health. Without access to these products, women may be forced to use unsanitary materials, leading to infections or other health problems. Providing these products can help women feel more comfortable and confident during their menstrual cycle. Click here to read more about period poverty.
Size and Quality Considerations:
When donating supplies to those in need, consider the sizes and quality of the items being given. Travel-sized products can be more convenient to carry and distribute to people who are currently homeless, but those in transitional housing who are on their way to permanent housing may need full-size hygiene products.
Through Roonga, we work with our partners to ensure that the donated materials are high quality and durable. While it may be tempting to donate cheaper or low-quality items, it’s important to remember that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances. Remember to consider the different needs of those we’re trying to help when selecting the sizes of the supplies we donate, but also ensure the quality of items.
Roonga Helps
Hygiene supply drives are a critical way to support individuals experiencing homelessness or financial difficulties. Providing essential personal hygiene items can help improve their physical and mental health and promote a sense of dignity and respect.
Whether you’re planning a hygiene supply drive, or simply looking for the best supplies to distribute to those in need, Roonga helps.
Our team of experts has years of experience partnering with organizations just like yours to help support students and families in need. Take a look at other Roonga-organized hygiene supply drives like the GLIDE Goods hygiene kit drive and the St. Vincent duPaul hygiene kit drive to help Florida’s hurricane victims.
If a drive isn’t what you have in mind, Roonga serves as the hub to connect nonprofits with the best in supplies. As an online donation platform for nonprofits, Roonga’s bulk purchasing through established suppliers helps keep costs low while maintaining the level of quality that goes a long way to making your service users know that they are valued and appreciated.
Together, we can offer dignity and hope. To learn more or get started today – click here.