Why We Give: Reflections from Our Summer Intern
This summer, our incredible intern, Angela Woo, joined Simply the Basics to help expand our Hygiene Locator and support projects that bring hygiene and dignity to our community. Along the way, she reflected on what truly motivates people to give their time, supplies, and support. Here’s her thoughtful perspective on generosity, empathy, and the impact of making hygiene accessible for everyone:
At Simply the Basics, generosity is the foundation. Volunteers, donors, and community members come together with one shared goal: making hygiene accessible for everyone. Each contribution, whether it’s time, supplies, or money, builds toward something bigger. But if you stop and think about it, what really drives someone to click “donate” or show up to volunteer?
Sometimes it starts with a random moment. Maybe you Googled “food drive near me,” needed some community service hours, or saw a TikTok about someone struggling to meet basic needs. Everyone discovers volunteering in different ways, but research shows that stories about real people in tough situations can humanize the cause in a way numbers never can. A single story can make the situation feel real, urgent, and personal. That’s empathy in action, witnessing or hearing about someone’s suffering can stir something in us that says, “I have to help”. And once you give, you often feel a sense of fulfillment that’s hard to put into words. Knowing you’ve made even a small difference can inspire you to keep showing up.
For many supporters, the cause itself hits home in a powerful way. Hygiene may seem like a small thing, but it’s deeply tied to dignity, confidence, and even opportunity. “Everyone deserves a chance to feel clean,” one donor told us. Another shared, “We are all humans and should all have access to necessary items to take care of ourselves.” These aren’t luxuries, they’re basic rights. Donors often talk about how being able to choose your hygiene products, from a favorite shampoo to a sustainable menstrual cup, can restore a sense of control and self-respect. Many admit they’ve taken things like hot showers, clean clothes, and fresh socks for granted, only to realize how transformative they can be for someone without them. The ability to feel clean doesn’t just change how a person looks; it changes how they see themselves, and how they believe the world sees them.
As an intern, my drive to support Simply the Basics came from my school during a hygiene kit packing event. Before that day, I knew that some people struggled to access basic needs, but I fully grasped the importance of hygiene after the presentation. I left feeling two things at once: gratitude for the fact that I could take a shower and wear clean clothes every day, and frustration that so many people couldn’t. That mix of emotions has stayed with me and continues to drive my commitment to supporting the cause as an intern. This summer, my drive to support people in need has risen thanks to Simply the Basics, which guided my understanding.
In the end, people give for many reasons, but it usually comes down to connection, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves dignity. A heartfelt story can open our eyes, the cause itself can touch our values, and personal experiences can seal the deal. When we give, we’re not just handing over money or items, we’re sending a message: Your humanity matters. You matter. And that’s something worth showing up for, every single time.