ABOUT HYGIENE INSECURITY
Hygiene insecurity is a real problem yet most of us have never heard of it!
Hygiene insecurity happens when people can't afford basic toiletries. But it's more than just not having soap or toothpaste. It can impact self-esteem and self-worth.
The Hidden Crisis
Did You Know?
SNAP Benefits (formerly known as “Food Stamps”) do NOT cover any basic hygiene products.
Did You Know?
US Policymakers don’t recognize hygiene insecurity as a real problem. Therefore, things won’t change.
Did You Know?
Hygiene insecurity takes a toll on a person’s mental and physical health. The mental aspect can have a greater effect on children.
Did You Know?
Nearly three in four (73%) low-income families have cut back on food in the past year in order to afford personal care necessities.
Our Mission and Vision
SOAP = Supplying Ongoing Access to Personal care products
SOAP USA’s mission is to provide hygiene essentials to Americans in need.
Our vision is to empower individuals to lead healthy and dignified lives by addressing these fundamental needs.
Our Programs
As the only nonprofit in Virginia focused exclusively on the distribution of toiletries to those in need, we are funding our programs in phases. We call our programs “SOAP Boxes”, which are delivery methods for various types of personal care products to those in need. Each SOAP Box is designed to meet the needs of the recipient with the amount and type of toiletries specific to the situation.
Our FIRST, and current, PHASE is the School SOAP Box – supporting the most vulnerable in our society, the children. This program has begun in Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS).
School SOAP Boxes are distributed to school counselors, nurses, family liaisons, and PE teachers. The schools hand out the boxes as they see fit. SOAP USA does not limit access to the boxes or have any eligibility requirements. ANY person may be offered a SOAP Box.
LCPS Middle Schools are the initial recipients, as the children in this age-range have a higher need for personal care essentials. To provide regular access to personal care items for these students, at least 505,000 personal care products are needed for each school year.
School SOAP Box
2 Week Supply of Toiletries * Standard Pencil Box * Shampoo * Conditioner * Body Wash * Body Lotion * Soap * Deodorant * Comb and/or Brush * Toothbrush * Toothpaste * Flossers * Shower Bag * Personal Care Daily Steps * and a Rubber Duck Keychain *
FAQs
Can I donate toiletries?
Absolutely! We publish lists of needs based on our current phase. We have strict requirements on toiletries we will include in our boxes, so we do not accept unsolicited donations. Check here for our current lists.
Why do you only accept specific toiletries?
We want to make sure that anything we distribute is suitable for each phase, for all recipients, for those with allergies, sensitivities, and aversions to scents. Our golden rule is that we would use any toiletries we distribute for our own children.
We also are conscious of the environmental impact of the toiletries and selecting US toiletries companies.
How much does a School SOAP Box cost?
We have worked to maintain the quality of the items, while reducing costs associated. Our current cost per box is $7.00. We are pursuing wholesale purchases and corporate sponsorships to further reduce our costs.
Can I nominate a needy school?
We would love to hear from you about anyone who could use our help. Please contact us to begin discussions.
How do I become a Corporate Sponsor?
We welcome your help! We need corporate sponsors for donations, volunteers, and toiletries. Please reach out to our CEO to begin discussions.
Do you need volunteers?
We do! As we prepare for new phases, we needs volunteers to help build and distribute the boxes. Check our website for volunteer registration dates.
I am a nonprofit that needs toiletries - how can we get SOAP boxes?
We love helping out anyway we can! Please fill out this form to begin the process of adding you to our charity distribution.
What else can I donate?
We always welcome cash donations and items from our wishlists. In addition, we need working hair dryers, curling irons, flat irons, and other haircare appliances. We accept new and used (in working order) items. We sterilize and distribute these items to those in need. Our collection dates and locations can be found here.