Back-to-School, Round Two: Helping Teachers Build Care Closets

With the holidays now upon us, we like to reflect on the season’s true meaning. As a team dedicated to the organizations and people that serve those in need across America, DollarDays is reminded of this every day — yet even more so at this time of year. For many, the holidays are a time of joy, family gatherings, gift-giving, and cherished traditions. However, it’s important to also reflect on and help those who may not experience the holidays in the same way.

The holidays are an opportunity to extend generosity to those in need and work toward closing the gaps between the “haves” and “have-nots” in our communities. Corporate giving and contributions from individuals and families are especially vital during this time of year.

The Power of Giving: Receivers and Givers Alike

Statistics show that acts of generosity, even small ones, have a profound impact on mental and emotional well-being. A study by National Institutes of Health found that when people give to charities, it activates regions of the brain associated with pleasure and reward. According to Mayo Clinic, having a sense of purpose — especially for a greater cause — delivers satisfaction and brings joy as people connect with and give to others. Beyond the emotional benefits, giving back builds community connections, fosters gratitude, and delivers positivity to others.

For underserved people and families that receive another person’s generosity, the benefits are immense, including access to life’s essentials, enhanced quality of life, stability and empowerment, and a feeling of being cared for.

Corporations Growing, Donations Falling

Yet, despite its power, giving is down in America. The past two years have registered some of the deepest declines in U.S. philanthropy history. After two challenging years of inflation, many nonprofits now grapple with diminished donations.

To complicate the issue, as corporations have grown and profits continue to climb, charitable business donations are lagging. According to the latest Giving USA report, corporate giving made up only 7% of all charitable contributions in 2023, or approximately $36.55 billion of a total $557.16 billion. Individual giving makes up the biggest portion of the pie at 67%, or around $374.4 billion.

The decline in donations underscores the economic pressures nonprofits face as they strive to maintain essential services for communities in need amidst rising costs. Today, their need is greater than ever before.

Consumers, especially younger ones, increasingly favor companies that are socially responsible. According to one study, 73% of Americans said that a company’s charitable giving tendencies affect their purchasing decisions, and 84% say it’s important that a company support charitable causes. Half of Americans would even switch to a company that supports a cause they believe in, and nearly two-thirds would stop buying from a brand that demonstrated a lack of social responsibility. This further underlines the importance of companies getting involved in important causes and supporting their communities.

For businesses, increasing philanthropic efforts can create a competitive advantage, build brand loyalty, and strengthen community connections. By realigning corporate giving strategies and programs, companies can adapt to changing business challenges while sustaining their commitment to the communities they serve.

Ways to Make a Difference This Holiday Season

For Companies:

• Launch a Cause-Oriented Program: Businesses can make select products philanthropic by donating a portion of their sales to local or national causes. Donation percentages can range widely, and Harvard Business Review notes the importance of authenticity in cause sales programs in order to build customer loyalty. Programs can last throughout December, a single day like Giving Tuesday — the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving (Dec. 3rd this year) — or all year long.
• Offer Paid Volunteer Days: Allowing employees to take paid time off to volunteer can have a meaningful impact. Whether delivering meals, helping at shelters, or organizing fun-filled holiday events for underserved children, employee volunteerism strengthens community ties for the company and associates alike.
• Make a Corporate Donation: Corporations can contribute financially to organizations that provide housing, food, and healthcare assistance, sustaining these critical programs well beyond the holidays. Or they can deliver an in-kind gift of much-needed items in volume to nonprofits, too. Also consider a post-holiday donation or monthly commitment — many nonprofits face a drop in donations after the holidays, though needs persist year-round.
• Sponsor a Program: Partner with a nonprofit or community organization to underwrite initiatives in the local community, such as toy drives, food bank donations, or adopt-a-family programs. Sponsorship is an effective way for businesses to give back and drive wide-spread awareness for its community-supportive brand at the same time.
• Set Up a Matching Gift Program: Encourage employees to give by matching their individual donations. This not only doubles the financial impact but also reinforces the company’s commitment to its local community or national cause.
• Offer Pro Bono Services to Nonprofits: Giving back does not have to be limited to monetary donations — your team’s expertise can be incredibly valuable. Consider offering pro bono services to local nonprofits in functional areas like marketing, accounting, IT support, legal advice, or business consulting. Helping a nonprofit streamline its operations or develop a new outreach campaign can create long-term benefits that extend far beyond the holiday season.
• Support Charity Partners that Align with Your Organization: Select charities that align with your company’s mission and values to strengthen the company culture and engage associates and customers. Tell your corporate giving narrative with compelling stories of the human impact to showcase the deep connection to your chosen cause.

At DollarDays, we work tirelessly to serve those who serve others, striving to ease the burdens of our partners so they can focus on what truly matters: making a difference. Beyond our day-to-day operations, this year, we empowered our team to extend this mission by contributing directly to our community through meaningful actions, including:

• Local Partnerships in Phoenix: Delivering essential products, such as basic hygiene items, to support those in need.
• Toy Drives: Providing pallets of toys to bring joy to children during the holiday season.
• Support for Mothers in Need: Supplying cases of diapers to an organization that provides resources and care for unwed mothers and their families.
• Holiday Care Boxes: Building and delivering over 200 boxes filled with essential items and gifts for children around the globe.
• Charitable Events: Actively participating in local events to support various important causes.

For Individuals and Families:

• Dedicate a Portion of Your Holiday Budget to Seasonal Giving: Food banks and shelters often operate at capacity during the holidays and deeply appreciate donations of non-perishable food, warm clothing, and blankets. Set aside a portion of your holiday budget, shop as a family, and make a personal delivery to connect with your community. Call your local food bank or shelter to learn what items are most needed. For ease, you can also shop for items in bulk. Nonprofits and humanitarian organizations often need large quantities of essential items. Donating a case of items can have a more significant impact than purchasing them individually, due to the lower cost per item associated with wholesale orders.
• Sponsor a Family in Need: Local Adopt-a-Family programs led by cities and other organizations help ensure families can experience the holidays, providing everything from a turkey dinner with all the fixings to essential clothing and toys for children. Sponsoring a family can create a holiday season filled with joy for those who need it most.
• Volunteer at a Food Bank or Homeless Shelter: The holidays are a time of giving, and there’s no better way to make an impact than by lending a hand to those in need. By volunteering at a local food bank or serving a holiday meal at a homeless shelter, you are not only providing essential food but also offering hospitality, camaraderie, and compassion to those in need in your community.
• Give the Gift of Warmth: Across much of the nation, the holidays mean wintery months, which can be especially hard for those without a secure place to call home or those experiencing financial hardship. Items like coats, blankets, socks, gloves, and knit hats can make a significant difference for someone braving the cold. Many shelters and nonprofits run “warmth drives” this time of year, and these items are often in high demand. Consider donating winter essentials to a local shelter or leading a warmth drive in your community or with your employer.
• Encourage Small Acts of Kindness: Giving doesn’t always need to be grand and costly. Simple gestures like buying a meal for someone in need, helping a neighbor who is a single mother with babysitting services, or delivering a homemade item to neighbors during the holidays can make a meaningful impact. Remind associates, family, and friends that acts of kindness are powerful, even if they seem small.

This season, as you celebrate with loved ones, we invite you to share holiday joy with those in need. The ways in which we can support those in need during the holidays are virtually limitless.

Together — as corporations, individuals, families, and communities — we can make the holidays brighter for everyone.

Millions of Americans face profound challenges daily — especially those lacking one of the most basic human necessities: a home. November is National Homelessness Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the persistence of this widespread crisis impacting nearly every corner of our nation. It calls for an urgent, unified response. Now more than ever, it’s crucial for businesses and nonprofits to join forces to provide individuals and families experiencing homelessness with the essential resources and support needed not only to survive but to rebuild their lives.

Homelessness Statistics

The latest data indicates that homelessness in America has reached unprecedented levels, with its demographic becoming increasingly diverse — now including entire families, individual youth, and older adults. Furthermore, an estimated 30% of those experiencing homelessness are children, while more than 40,000 are military veterans who served our country and now face this harsh reality in return. The crisis is exacerbated by economic factors that are beyond individuals’ control. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a lasting impact on low-income households, with millions of families often just one paycheck away from homelessness. Rising rent prices, stagnant wages, and a nationwide housing shortage have compounded the issue. As a result, homelessness is not only increasing but also becoming a cycle of poverty that can be difficult to break free from.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the U.S. experienced a record high in January 2023 when over 650,000 people experienced homelessness on a single night. This marked an increase of more than 12 percent compared to 2022. Additionally, more people are experiencing homelessness for the first time than ever before. From 2019 to 2023, the number of those entering shelters for the first time rose by more than 23 percent.

Most experts agree that the main causes of homelessness include a lack of affordable housing, economic and racial inequality, mental health issues, and substance abuse, among others. California, New York, Florida, and Washington are some of the leading states facing the challenge of homelessness. Cities like Atlanta, Denver, Austin, and Los Angeles are addressing this crisis by creating micro-communities of compact, affordable housing. Not surprisingly, affordable housing in America was a hot topic in this year’s presidential election, with both candidates emphasizing approaches to tackle the issue, according to the Associated Press.

Essential Needs for Those Experiencing Homelessness

Addressing the complex issue of homelessness requires a comprehensive understanding of the most critical needs faced by those without stable housing. While individual and collective efforts are essential, pinpointing the fundamental necessities can help direct resources and support where they are most needed. Here are just a handful of the most critical needs for individuals and families experiencing homelessness:

• Shelter: According to the most recent 2023 report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), about 40% of the homeless population is unsheltered, living in places not meant for human habitation. This could be on the street, in vehicles, and in abandoned buildings. This makes the provision of temporary and permanent affordable housing one of the most critical areas of need.
• Food: Homeless individuals are more likely to experience food insecurity, a condition where access to adequate food is limited by a lack of money or access. Feeding America reports that nearly one in eight Americans — approximately 47 million people — are food insecure, with a significant overlap among those experiencing homelessness. For children, one in five are facing hunger.
• Clothing and Hygiene: Without access to clean clothing or hygiene facilities and products, homeless individuals face barriers to employment, health risks, and social exclusion. Proper hygiene facilities and clean clothing are key to improving mental and physical well-being, yet are often overlooked.

How Businesses Can Support Nonprofits Tackling Homelessness in America

Many nonprofits are emerging from two challenging years in which inflation eroded their gains in donations. In 2023, overall charitable giving dropped 2.1 percent when adjusted for inflation, according to the most recent Giving USA report. Businesses of all sizes play a crucial role in addressing the challenges of homelessness. These partnerships are not only impactful but also simple for businesses to establish.

Nonprofits — those that serve the underserved — are on the frontlines of America’s homelessness crisis, and they need our continuous support. Businesses can choose from various donation options, such as providing surplus products or valuable services, sponsoring community drives, or offering financial support. Here are a few ways businesses can make a positive impact in their communities:

• Donate Essentials: With financial contributions down, nonprofits struggle with their inventory of essentials such as food, clothing, and hygiene products. By donating bulk wholesale items like socks, blankets, and hygiene kits, companies can help meet the immediate needs of the homeless while relieving financial pressures on nonprofits.
• Support the Creation of More Affordable Housing: Nonprofits in the U.S., such as Habitat for Humanity, Building Homes for Heroes, and The Fuller Center for Housing, are dedicated to mitigating the affordable housing crisis. Companies can contribute to these initiatives financially or through partnerships, helping to ensure more people have access to safe and stable shelter.
• Help Local Shelters: Corporate giving can transform local shelters, helping them better serve their communities and even expand their services. By directing funds and resources to community shelters, companies enable these organizations to increase their capacity, improve facilities, and enhance support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
• Launch Job Training Initiatives: Employment is one of the primary pathways out of homelessness. By investing in job-training programs — whether at your organization or community-wide — companies can empower individuals to regain their independence and stability.
• Dedicate a Day of Giving Back: Business leaders can provide employees with one or two days of paid time off specifically for volunteering at a nonprofit organization of their choice. This initiative not only supports nonprofits but also encourages community engagement, enhances team morale, and builds a positive reputation for both the participants and the company. Ultimately, it creates meaningful experiences for employees while making a lasting impact in the communities where the company operates.

Homelessness in America is a solvable issue, but it demands sustained, collective action. By partnering with nonprofits, we can amplify our impact, strengthen communities, and bring hope to those who need it most. As we approach the holiday season and nonprofits and relief organizations face a decline in philanthropic giving, there has never been a better time to give back. We encourage all business leaders to reflect on how they can mobilize their resources — through products, funding, services, or volunteer time — to support the vital services that nonprofits deliver to our growing homeless population.

In the wake of a natural disaster, communities often face severe shortages of essential supplies and the immediate focus is on survival and relief. In such times of crisis, businesses that offer bulk items at low prices can play a crucial role in disaster response and recovery efforts. DollarDays partners with various organizations to provide much-needed support to affected areas — helping to rebuild lives and restore hope.

The Urgent Need for Basic Supplies

The New York Times reported that in 2023 alone, 2.5 million people were displaced from their homes due to weather-related disasters. Major incidents can easily cause damages in excess of $1 billion, leaving communities reeling. When disaster strikes, the immediate needs of affected communities can be overwhelming. People suddenly lack access to necessities like hygiene products, food, clothing, and shelter. In these situations, the ability to quickly and efficiently distribute essential supplies can mean the difference between life and death.

One of the most significant challenges in disaster response is the sheer scale of need. Large-scale disasters can affect thousands or even millions of people, creating an urgent demand for relief supplies. This is where companies specializing in bulk items can make a critical difference.

When a natural disaster strikes, these five product categories are often among the first items to run out at relief shelters. Whether you’re launching a relief station in your community or simply gathering supplies to prepare for future emergencies, these must-have essentials are ones you’ll want to keep on hand.

1. Hygiene and Health: A Critical Priority

Maintaining hygiene becomes a top priority after a disaster. Contaminated water, a lack of sanitation facilities, and crowded living conditions can lead to the rapid spread of disease. Providing hygiene essentials such as soap and deodorant, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and menstrual hygiene products help keep communities healthy.

DollarDays can supply these hygiene essentials at a fraction of the usual cost, allowing relief organizations to distribute them widely. For even faster distribution, we also provide a diverse assortment of convenient pre-packaged hygiene kits. Even the most vulnerable populations — such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions — will be able to quickly receive the care they need following a disaster.

2. Emergency Response Kits: Ready for Anything

One of the most effective ways to support disaster-affected communities is by distributing emergency response kits. These kits typically include things like first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, bottled water, and essential tools. In the chaos following a disaster, having access to a pre-assembled kit or supply bucket full of relief essentials can provide a sense of security and preparedness during the cleanup and recovery process.

As your bulk supplier of choice, DollarDays can offer these items and kits at discounted bulk rates, making it possible for relief agencies to stockpile them before disasters or quickly assemble them in response to an unfolding crisis. By ensuring that these essentials are available and easily accessible, relief groups can help families and individuals weather the initial impact of a disaster and begin the recovery process.

3. Baby Care: Protecting the Most Vulnerable

Natural disasters can be particularly hard on families with young children. Babies and toddlers require specialized care, and their needs don’t pause for a crisis. Essential items such as diapers, baby wipes, formula, and other baby gear become critical in disaster situations. However, these items are often expensive and difficult to come by when supply chains are disrupted.

Baby care products can be lifesavers for families in need. We work closely with local shelters, charities, and emergency response teams to ensure young children receive the essential supplies they need, even in the most challenging circumstances. This support not only meets immediate physical needs but also provides emotional reassurance to parents struggling to care for their children during a disaster.

4. Nutritious Snacks and Meals: Sustaining Energy and Morale

In the aftermath of a disaster, access to nutritious food can be severely limited. Power outages, road closures, and damaged infrastructure can disrupt food supplies and the ability to prepare meals, leaving communities with little to eat. Providing snacks and ready-to-eat meals is essential for sustaining both energy and morale during the recovery process.

We can supply all kinds of non-perishable food such as protein and granola bars, ready-to-eat meals, to-go snack packs, jerky sticks, and bottled water. These items are easy to distribute and provide the necessary sustenance for individuals working through the challenges of post-disaster recovery. Collecting these products in bulk enables relief organizations to feed more people for less money, making a tangible impact on the ground.

5. Clothing and Shelter: Restoring Dignity

For those who have lost everything in a disaster, even basic clothing and bedding can be precious commodities. Clean, warm clothing and a good night’s sleep can make a significant difference in restoring dignity to disaster survivors.

Emergency shelters often require things like sheets and blankets, tarps, sleeping bags, and other materials to create safe, temporary living spaces for displaced individuals and families. DollarDays can provide these essential items at lower costs, ensuring relief reaches those who need it most, and helping to restore a sense of normalcy and security in the aftermath of a disaster.

The Power of Partnerships: Making a Difference When It Matters Most

The success of disaster response efforts often hinges on the strength of partnerships between businesses, non-profits, government agencies, and volunteers. These partnerships enable the efficient distribution of supplies, the pooling of resources, and the coordination of efforts to reach the most vulnerable populations. Even on a limited budget, these organizations can maximize their impact by working with a one-stop bulk supplier. This is where DollarDays can help.

DollarDays offers more than just products — we provide logistical support and creative solutions to bolster relief efforts on short notice. By engaging with local communities and understanding their unique needs, we enable relief groups to make a difference when a crisis strikes. To put it simply, we serve those who serve others. For over 20 years, we’ve made it our daily mission to provide essentials and critically needed supplies to support those making a direct impact in their communities.

The ability to respond quickly and effectively is crucial in times of crisis. Our mission is to ensure no one is left behind in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Because DollarDays offers bulk items at low prices, we’re uniquely positioned to support disaster relief efforts with rapid delivery of essential supplies for those who need it most. While the immediate response to a natural disaster is critical, the road to recovery is often long and arduous. Communities need ongoing support as they rebuild homes, restore infrastructure, and return to everyday life. DollarDays can continue to play a vital role in supporting your organization’s disaster relief efforts by offering affordable supplies for cleanup efforts, school supplies for displaced children, and everyday items to help families get back on their feet. At DollarDays, we’re not just about providing products — we’re about helping our partners restore hope, dignity, and the possibility of a better tomorrow.

Every year, it is estimated that 2 million people are considered homeless and either living on the streets or in shelters. Of this population, families account for about 38% and children approximately 25%. Homelessness can be the result of countless unforeseen circumstances, including everything from low-paying jobs to changes in public health assistance. With a lack of housing, it can be nearly impossible to afford adequate health care products, especially when it comes to oral hygiene.

Having decayed or missing teeth is extremely common in the homeless population, since most cannot afford essential oral care items or regular dental visits. In fact, homeless people are 12 times more likely than other individuals to have oral health issues. If untreated, small dental issues can oftentimes lead to periodontal disease or edentulism.

Leading causes of oral health issues in the homeless population include:

1) Inability to use toothbrush and toothpaste regularly
2) Unreliable food sources and inadequate nutrition, especially for pregnant women
3) Alcoholism and tobacco use
4) Lack of health insurance with Medicaid and CHIP coverage varying by location

It is not rare for many of these instances to occur in a single homeless community, leading to extreme oral health problems. The Global Burden of Disease Study of 2019 estimated that oral diseases affect close to 3.5 billion people worldwide. Also, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, cancers of the lip and oral cavity are among the top 20 most common cancers worldwide, with nearly 180,000 deaths each year.

Furthermore, there is a proven relationship between oral care and overall health in general. Poor oral care and diet can lead to other sicknesses within the body, including diabetes and obesity. In many homeless cases, nutritional value takes a back seat to survival.

However, there are many ways in which we as a community can help the homeless. Donating oral care essentials is a great way to start. DollarDays has all the oral care essentials in bulk one could ever imagine when it comes to fresh breath and healthy teeth.

Some bulk oral care essentials include:
1) Assorted toothbrushes
2) Travel toothbrushes
3) Toothpaste (full size and travel size)
4) Fluoride
5) Dental floss/floss picks
6) Dental care kits
7) Kids’ dental care kits
8) Mouthwash
9) Denture cleanser

Oral care kits in particular are extremely valuable in homeless communities, as they’re easily transportable. Our wholesale oral care kits include all necessary oral care basics, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss and come in either a plastic clear bag or a fabric travel bag.

Homeless populations across the country need all the help they can get when it comes to oral care. Do your part in helping the community by donating wholesale oral care essentials today!

As wild weather across the country continues, the ability to respond to disasters and emergencies requires significant resources and continued coordination among local authorities, emergency response teams, and disaster relief organizations.

When a disaster strikes, it’s hard not to panic and it can seem like a hassle to plan for something that may not even occur. However, leaving preparation to the last minute or not having a clear plan in place, can mean the difference between life and death.

Here are 6 wholesale disaster relief essentials you should be sure to have on hand in preparation for your next emergency:

First Aid Kit
Whether it’s a bad storm, monsoon, fire, flood, or earthquake, there is increased potential for people to get hurt or need medical attention. Having a well-stocked first aid kit available is a must. You’ll need disinfectant, bandages, tape, and gauze, along with medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin, a cold compress, and gloves. Wholesale First-aid kits are easy to donate and can help save lives when in need. DollarDays is committed to helping the community prepare for the worst and be ready to help as many people as possible when the time comes.

Hygiene Kits
Hygiene kits may not be the first supplies that come to mind as disaster relief essentials, but for extended periods without water or power, these will become an essential. Items like wholesale toothpaste, toothbrushes, and soap are easy to keep on hand and won’t take up too much space in a larger emergency supply kit. Available in bulk at great prices, consider a donation to a local shelter or non-profit organization that works with community leaders.

Flashlights
Heavy duty flashlights are critical in most weather-related emergencies. Because powerful storms like hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards can disrupt power, flashlights are essential. Don’t be left in the dark! These portable, battery-operated bulk flashlights will help keep your community calm while you take care of business in an emergency.

Blankets
Blankets are another essential emergency relief item which will help keep those affected warm in a cold weather emergency. They are inexpensive and an easy way to keep warm during an emergency. For children, a fleece blanket is the best option as they are soft and won’t irritate their skin. They are also lightweight and easy to pack.

Ponchos
Like fleece blankets, ponchos are cost-effective, easy to pack and store, and are incredibly useful. Ponchos are designed to keep you dry and can also help to preserve body heat. They can quickly be thrown over people, pets, or valuables during violent weather. These bright yellow bulk ponchos will help loved ones remain visible when it is dark and gloomy. There are several uses for ponchos during times of weather emergencies and they are definitely a must-have in any disaster relief kit.

Backpacks
There are lots of different ways you can pack your emergency needs, but a backpack is always a good bet. They are large enough to carry all the items above but small enough that they won’t get too heavy. Keep your backpack stocked and ready to go in a safe and convenient place, so when the time comes, all you need to do is reach for it. Our wholesale backpacks allow you to go hands-free and with different compartments, you can easily find exactly what you need. You can pack a different backpack for different emergencies or perhaps make an emergency relief kit for your home and your car.

Emergency relief kits are an easy way to bring peace of mind to yourself, your loved ones, and your community. DollarDays is proud to work with organizations in bulk around the country to make sure people have exactly what they need in a time of crisis.