How to Donate Hygiene Products in Baltimore: What People Need Most
Socks, toothpaste, deodorant and a little lotion do not sound like much. For a neighbor living on the street or in a shelter, they can be the difference between a hard day and a day with some dignity in it. This guide covers the hygiene items Baltimore neighbors need most right now, how to put together a hygiene kit that actually gets used, and how to donate toiletries through Planting Words.
Delivering hygiene kits to Karis Home, a division of The Baltimore Rescue Mission, July 2026.
Why Hygiene Donations Matter in Baltimore
Food banks and clothing drives get a lot of attention, and they should. Personal care items are often the first thing to run out. Many assistance programs cannot be used to buy toiletries, so people living on a small income or experiencing homelessness are left to go without basics most of us never think twice about.
Going without has real costs. It can make a job interview, a doctor visit or simply walking into a store feel impossible. Clean socks help prevent foot problems for people who walk all day. A toothbrush and toothpaste protect health that is expensive to repair later. And being able to feel clean helps people feel like themselves again.
That is why hygiene support is at the heart of what Planting Words does. As Grassroots Crisis Intervention wrote to us after receiving 60 of our personal hygiene kits, access to basic necessities "helps restore comfort and dignity, as well as a sense of normalcy, when it's needed the most."
The Hygiene Items We Need Most Right Now
These are the items our team is asking for this season. New, unopened items in travel or regular sizes are perfect.
Socks
New socks are one of the most requested items for people experiencing homelessness, especially as Baltimore weather turns cold.
Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
Individually packaged toothbrushes and travel size toothpaste fit easily into a kit or a backpack.
Deodorant and Sanitizer
Deodorant and hand sanitizer help people feel fresh and stay healthy when a sink is not always nearby.
Lotion and Lip Balm
Dry, cracked skin and lips are a constant problem outdoors in winter. Lotion and lip balm bring real relief.
Hair Combs
A simple comb is small, inexpensive and often forgotten, but it helps someone feel put together.
How to Build a Hygiene Kit That Gets Used
A hygiene kit is a small bag of personal care items packed for one person. Kits make giving easy for donors and easy to hand out for the shelters and programs we serve. Here is how to put one together.
1. Start with a sturdy bag
A gallon size zip bag works well. It is waterproof, easy to carry and lets people see what is inside.
2. Fill it with the essentials
- One pair of new socks
- Toothbrush and travel size toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Hand sanitizer
- Lotion and lip balm
- A hair comb
3. Keep it practical
Travel sizes are easier to carry. Choose unscented or lightly scented products when you can, and skip anything glass, anything that needs a sink to use, and anything that could spill and ruin the rest of the kit.
4. Add a few kind words
This is the part that makes a Planting Words kit different. Every kit we share includes a handwritten card of encouragement. When Columbia Community Care thanked us for a donation of hygiene kits and garden tool bags, they said what touched them most were the handwritten notes, because those messages remind people "they are not alone and that there are people who believe in them." A short note like "You matter" or "Thinking of you today" goes a long way.
Host a Hygiene Kit Drive
Hygiene kit drives are one of the easiest ways for a workplace, church, school or group of friends to make a real difference together. Earlier this year, a group of community members coordinated by the Baltimore County Volunteer Center partnered with Planting Words to assemble 125 hygiene packs for neighbors in need, each with 10 personal care items and a handwritten message of encouragement.
Simple steps for a successful drive
- Pick a date range of one or two weeks
- Share the most needed items list with your group
- Set out a collection box in a busy spot
- Plan a packing day so everyone can assemble kits and write cards together
- Email us to arrange drop off or delivery
Want to help in person too? Visit our volunteer page to see how you can get involved.
How to Donate Hygiene Products Through Planting Words
There are a few easy ways to give:
- Donate items: email [email protected] and our team will let you know how to get your donation to us.
- Donate funds: a financial gift lets us buy the exact items that are running low. Contributions may be tax deductible.
- Sponsor kits as a business: our corporate sponsorship options let your company support kits for neighbors across Baltimore.
- Give your time: help us pack kits and write cards as a volunteer.
Your donation reaches people through our humanitarian aid work and our partner organizations across Baltimore City, Baltimore County and surrounding Maryland communities.
Giving This Holiday Season
The holidays are when many people think about giving back, and they are also when cold weather makes hygiene items like socks, lotion and lip balm even more important. On November 21, 2026, Planting Words will be partnering with Trinity Baltimore at their Thanksgiveaway Event. It is a great reason to start a kit drive this month. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I donate toiletries in Baltimore?
You can donate toiletries to Planting Words by emailing [email protected]. Our team will let you know how to drop off or send your donation. We share hygiene kits with individuals, families and partner organizations across Baltimore City, Baltimore County and surrounding Maryland communities.
What hygiene items do homeless shelters and outreach programs need most?
Right now, Planting Words most needs socks, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair combs, hand sanitizer, lotion, deodorant and lip balm. New, unopened items in travel or regular sizes are best.
Can I donate opened or used hygiene products?
Please donate only new, unopened products. This keeps every kit safe and sanitary for the person who receives it.
Are hygiene donations tax deductible?
Planting Words is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so contributions can be tax deductible. Please check with your tax advisor about your situation, and visit our financials page for more information.
Can my company or church hold a hygiene kit drive for Planting Words?
Yes. Groups of all sizes are welcome. Email [email protected] to plan your drive, and our team will help with the most needed items and next steps.
Help a Neighbor Feel Seen Today
Every pair of socks, every tube of toothpaste and every handwritten card tells someone in Baltimore that they matter. Thank you for helping us restore hope and dignity.