#GivingTuesday: How We're Extending the Giving Window for 12 Days of UndieGiving
The holiday season is just around the corner, and at The Undie Chest, we are excited to announce our upcoming initiative, the "12 Days of #UndieGiving."
As a socially responsible organization, we believe in making a positive impact in our community, and what better way to do so than by spreading cheer and restoring dignity back to individuals and families in need?
Starting on #GivingTuesday on November 28, we invite you to embark on a journey of giving.
One of the remarkable aspects of #GivingTuesday is its ability to bring people together from different backgrounds, communities, and cultures, united by a shared desire to make a positive impact.
#GivingTuesday offers an opportunity to reflect on the blessings you have received and harness resources, skills, and talents to uplift others.
It reminds us that acts of kindness, no matter how small, can have a ripple effect that transforms lives and strengthens communities.
Whether volunteering at a local shelter or donating underwear, each action can make a significant difference.
#GivingTuesday is not just a day of charitable giving; it is a movement amplifying the spirit of selflessness and compassion. Through our efforts to boost this movement, 12 Days of #UndieGiving aims to align with the season of giving to raise awareness about the impact of the gift of underwear.
It reminds us that we have the power to be agents of change and offers a platform to support and uplift those who need it most.
By participating in this movement, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of others and contribute to a more equitable and compassionate society.
Join us in the 12 Days of Undie Giving to make this holiday season unforgettable. Mark your calendars and share with your friends, November 28-December 9, 2023.
Why Undies?
Imagine waking up every day without the basic necessities to maintain your personal hygiene. Think about not having access to soap, toothpaste, menstrual products, or even a clean pair of underwear.
Hygiene poverty is a reality faced by many individuals and families today. It refers to the inability to afford or access essential toiletries and personal hygiene products necessary for practicing good hygiene.
Hygiene poverty not only impacts an individual's physical health but also has far-reaching implications on mental well-being.
The shame, stigma, and embarrassment associated with poor hygiene exacerbate feelings of low self-esteem, isolation, and social exclusion. Many vulnerable individuals suffer silently, afraid to seek help or discuss their struggles with others.
According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people surveyed said their stress increased during the holiday season.
So, the additional strain that hygiene poverty creates will only further increase these numbers if we don’t raise awareness about this growing problem.
By shedding light on this hidden struggle, we can foster a compassionate and inclusive society that supports those in need.
How Can You Give Back?
The 12 days of #UndieGiving brings together socially and environmentally conscious individuals and businesses to help restore dignity to deserving members of our community.
Our goal of raising $12,000 or $1,000/day over 12 days will help build healthier communities and reduce social injustices like equitable distribution of essential resources like underwear to underserved communities.
Allocating these crucial resources helps promote equity for all community members, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or financial status.
Besides monetary donations, you can also give back in other ways.
Purchase new undies from our Amazon Undie Wish List.
Clean out your closets and drawers, recycle and donate new undies with tags or gently used, like new bras. Please fill out the donation form and mail it to us.
Contact us and coordinate an undie drive in your community or office. It can be a fun event for everyone to participate in, but will also raise awareness about the need for underwear for individuals and families in transition.
The Impact of Donated Underwear
Your monetary and in-kind donations during the 12 Days of #UndieGiving will make a tremendous impact on a person’s life.
The most important message we want to share is how gifted underwear can break down the barriers created by hygiene poverty, such as:
✅ Helping students participate in sports and activities
✅ Providing individuals in transition programs with the confidence to succeed in job interviews
✅ Lessening the financial burden for those struck with medical expenses
✅ Enabling parents to provide gifts for their children instead of worrying about underwear
✅ Reducing the risk of infections and conditions associated with poor hygiene
People Who We’ll Help With Your Donations
We aim to share inspiring stories about the people who receive the gifted underwear from our 12 Days of #UndieGiving Campaign.
It’s all about illustrating the chain of events that can happen - such as breaking the cycle of poverty and allowing people opportunities to re-integrate as functioning members of society.
Sports Bra’s
Thanks to the gift of a sports bra, Sara can now participate in her favorite sport and feel confident to spend time with her peers, without the embarrassment and shame that comes from hygiene poverty.
Men’s Underwear
John feels confident to tackle his job interview after receiving new underwear. He gets the job and can transition back into the workforce; meaning he can provide for his children, instead of worrying about putting food on the table.
Mastectomy Bras
Karen’s mom, who is a breast cancer survivor and uninsured, doesn’t have to stuff her bras with rags or paper because she received the appropriate bra after her mastectomy.
Men’s T-Shirts
Barry lives on the street, during the winter and doesn’t have the appropriate clothing to keep him warm, but with the gift of a quality, properly fitting shirt - he can layer up and protect himself from the elements.
Full Figure Bras
Sharon, a middle school student, was being bullied and teased because of her larger-sized breasts. Her mom couldn’t afford a plus-size bra. She was experiencing shame, embarrassment, and isolation. She can now confidently attend school and focus on her learning, instead of being worried about underwear.
Boys & Girls Undies
Jessie and Amy, parents of a junior high school student, won’t have to be ashamed or worried about sending their kids to school without the appropriate underwear. Now, they can focus on other priorities like finding a safe and affordable place to live for the family.
Women’s Underwear
As a homeless woman, Bianca has had to wear the same dirty, tattered underwear for the past few days. Her lack of access to clean underwear is impacting her hygiene and puts her at risk of developing urinary or genital infections. New underwear and a new bra not only give her a sense of comfort and dignity but can mean the difference between serious health impacts.
This holiday season, let's come together to make a real difference in the lives of those in need. Join us in the 12 Days of #UndieGiving, November 28-December 9, and help us restore dignity, one pair of underwear at a time.