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BOXES P A C KOF A TBASICS HOME
Makes Tan Impact OOLKIT on Youth in the Prince William B O X E S O FArea BASICS.ORG By Katrina Wilson
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oxes of Basics is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization providing boxes of basics throughout the community — boxes full of quality new and gently used clothing for local children. The organization collects clothing through drives all around Prince William County. Children who receive Boxes of Basics are referred by other nonprofits, community organizations and school social workers.
What’s Inside a Box? Each unique Box of Basics includes an entire seasonal wardrobe — five school outfits, three play outfits, three sets of pajamas, one Sunday-best outfit, new socks, new underwear, shoes, a winter jacket and an age-appropriate book. Each outfit is hand selected, wrapped and labeled. “When a child receives a Box of Basics, we want them to feel like they are opening a gift,” said Sarah Tyndall, founder and executive director of Boxes of Basics. The organization includes a survey and self-addressed stamped envelope in each Box of Basics, and an online survey is also sent to each referring partner. The impact of each box is best told through the words of the recipients. “I have to share that the box you dropped off yesterday had a child jumping for joy and happiness. The shoes fit perfectly, and you
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September 2020 prince william living
could see the relief and happiness on his face as he ran around in them!!! Made my day!! The clothing was perfect too and he brought it home with a giant smile.” – Local school social worker The nonprofit caters to children who wear sizes newborn through 12 youth. It has been serving Prince William County youth since September 2018.
Sarah Tyndall, founder and executive director of Boxes of Basics
Boxes of Basics’ Beginning Boxes of Basics’ headquarters started in Tyndall’s basement — and with a Facebook request. “A few years ago, a friend on Facebook posted about a mother in need of clothing for her children,” Tyndall said. “This mother left a bad situation with four kids and had nothing. I reached out to friends and neighbors, and before I knew it, I had enough clothing to fill my SUV twice,” Tyndall said. “I realized quickly that there
