#GivingTuesday: How We’re Redefining The Season of Giving with 12 Days of UndieGiving

As the holiday season approaches, The Undie Chest, a nonprofit extension of The Bra Recyclers, is thrilled to introduce our unique initiative, "12 Days of #UndieGiving."

Our mission is clear: we aim to positively impact our community, especially by helping individuals and families in need regain their dignity.

Kicking off on November 22, we invite you to join us for 12 days of giving leading up to Giving Tuesday on December 3rd. #GivingTuesday is a remarkable movement that unites people from diverse backgrounds, communities, and cultures with a shared goal of making a positive impact.

This day reminds us to harness our resources, skills, and talents to uplift others. Acts of kindness, no matter how small, can create a ripple effect that transforms lives and strengthens communities.

Whether you volunteer at a local shelter or donate to provide underwear, every action counts and can make a significant difference.

#GivingTuesday is more than just a day of charitable giving; it's a movement that amplifies the spirit of selflessness and compassion.

Through the 12 Days of #UndieGiving, we aim to align with this season of giving and raise awareness about the transformative power of underwear.

Each of us can be a catalyst for change, and this movement provides a platform to support and uplift those who need it the most.

Why Is It Important to Give Undies This Holiday Season?

Imagine waking up every day without the necessities required for personal hygiene.

Think about not having access to soap, toothpaste, menstrual products, or even a clean pair of underwear.

This harsh reality is known as hygiene poverty and is faced by many individuals and families today.

Hygiene poverty affects physical health and has far-reaching implications for 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 in silence, afraid to seek help or share their struggles with others.

According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people surveyed reported increased stress during the holiday season. The additional burden of hygiene poverty only adds to these numbers if we don't raise awareness about this growing issue.

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 community members.

Our goal of raising $5,000 over these 12 days, will contribute to building healthier communities and addressing social injustices, such as the equitable distribution of essential resources like underwear to underserved communities.

Allocating these critical resources promotes equity for all community members, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or financial status.

In addition to monetary donations, there are other ways you can contribute:

• Purchase new underwear from our Amazon Undie Wish List.

• Clean your closets and drawers, recycle, and donate new underwear with tags or gently used, like new bras. Please fill out the donation form and mail it to us.

• Contact us to coordinate an undie drive in your community or office. It can be a fun event for everyone to participate in and 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 tremendously impact people's lives.

The most important message we want to convey is how gifted underwear can break down the barriers created by hygiene poverty. For instance, it can:

✅ Help students participate in sports and activities.

✅ Provide individuals in transition programs with the confidence to succeed in job interviews.

✅ Alleviate the financial burden for those facing medical expenses.

✅ Enable parents to provide gifts for their children instead of worrying about underwear.

✅ Reduce 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 individuals 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 reintegrate as functioning members of society.

Sports Bras

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 of 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 and Prosthesis

Karen's mom, a breast cancer survivor and uninsured, no longer has to stuff her bras with rags or paper because she received the appropriate bra after her mastectomy.

Men’s T-Shirts

Barry, who lives on the street during the winter, doesn't have the appropriate clothing to keep warm. 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, and she was experiencing shame, embarrassment, and isolation. She can now confidently attend school and focus on learning instead of worrying about underwear.

Boy’s and Girl’s Underwear

Jessie and Amy 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. It puts her at risk of developing urinary or genital infections. New underwear and a new bra give her a sense of comfort and dignity and can mean the difference between severe 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 22-December 3, and help us restore dignity, one pair of underwear at a time.