I just wanted to share the following note that I received from Sarah Tyndall, founder of Boxes of Basics. I know many of you in 2022 contributed to Boxes of Basics as a volunteer, donated clothing or gave financially. My prayer is this year that we as a family at HBC get more involved in 2023. Sarah and her team are serving so many children in need in the Haymarket, Gainesville, and Manassas area. I feel that God wants us to reach out into our community and serve others in need. Allan has introduced us to many local missions over the past two years and I encourage all of you to get involved and serve God outside the walls of HBC!
1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s Grace in its various forms.
In His Service, Brenda Sellers
Happy New Year!
It feels like the holidays flew by and here we are, beginning a new year. Before we dive into 2023, I want to take a look back. Boxes of Basics began as a basement operation in September 2018. That year were able to give the gift of a seasonal wardrobe to 59 local children in need. My, how we have grown!
2018 – 59 Boxes of Basics
2019 – 280 Boxes of Basics
2020 – 68 Boxes of Basics (Paused during COVID)
2021 – 450 Boxes of Basics
2022 – Over 1000 Boxes of Basics to local children at schools, churches and organizations throughout Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park!
It is hard for me to put into words how grateful I am for every single person that has supported Boxes of Basics. This organization is fueled by the community, for the community. Over 168 volunteers donated more than 1500 hours to sort clothing and pack boxes. Countless people, organizations, churches and businesses have donated clothing, shopped our Amazon wish list, hosted donation drives, donated financially or simply shared our information on social media. To each supporter, thank you. You are the reason we have been able to help so many local children.
Program Manager, Sally Crockett joined us in March 2022 and has been an absolute gift to Boxes of Basics. Sally overhauled and reorganized the Boxes of Basics house and implemented a new customer relationship management software. She has brought a spirit of determination and a wealth of experience in nonprofit management to Boxes of Basics.
Our Board of Directors has worked behind the scenes to keep Boxes of Basics moving forward. Each board member has donated their time and effort to the growth of our organization. Specifically, Diane Church, has spent hundreds of hours leading volunteer shifts and overseeing the administrative portion of our referral process.
In 2022 we experienced hypergrowth and with growth comes challenges. There were times we had to pause accepting new referrals. We received so many requests for assistance that we simply could not keep up. This shows Boxes of Basics is meeting a critical need in the community and there is more work to be done.
Looking ahead to 2023, I am excited about the continued growth of Boxes of Basics. We are hoping to engage more volunteers, roll out a corporate sponsorship program, host our first event and much more.
Each box contains an entire seasonal wardrobe from school clothes, pajamas, new socks, shoes and underwear to a winter coat, dental kit and book. Each child is given everything they need for the season and these boxes are making an impact in their lives. We are equipping them with self-confidence and showing these kids that they matter. We have helped children facing a variety of challenges from homelessness, domestic violence and refugee families to single parents working hard but struggling to get by, we help them all.
Boxes of Basics is truly special. I am so very grateful for each person who has played a part in the Boxes of Basics story and I’m excited to see what the future holds.
Thank you for your support, and Happy New Year!
Sarah Tyndall,
Founder/Executive Director Boxes of Basics
571.338.3369
info@boxesofbasics.org
www.boxesofbasics.org
https://www.facebook.com/clothesforkidsinneed