Next week, I will be volunteering in New York City with Gen G, a teen leadership and service program of the Greek America Foundation.

As part of this experience, we are learning what it means to respond when people need help right now — not someday, not later, but immediately.

We will be serving at Xavier Mission, an organization in New York City that provides food, clothing, toiletries, and support to people facing poverty, hunger, and homelessness. Xavier Mission serves people with dignity and compassion, and its programs help meet basic needs while supporting guests on a path toward safety, stability, and self-sufficiency.

One of the urgent needs we learned about is something many people do not think about: new underwear and toiletries.

These are basic human needs. But they are also items that are often not donated, or cannot be accepted unless they are brand new. Xavier Mission’s Clothing Room specifically accepts and needs items like new boxers, new underwear, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, disposable razors, sanitary pads, tampons, diapers, formula, and other essential personal-care items.

These may seem like small things, but they are not small to someone who needs them.

A clean pair of underwear matters.

A toothbrush matters.

Soap matters.

Deodorant matters.

A pack of sanitary pads matters.

These are items connected to health, dignity, confidence, and basic human respect.

That is why I am raising money. Instead of only collecting random donated items, this fundraiser will allow us to respond directly to Xavier Mission’s most urgent needs and help purchase the items that are needed most.

This is also part of what Gen G is teaching us: philanthropy is not just about giving when it is easy. It is about listening, understanding what is actually needed, and taking action.

I am asking my family, friends, and community to help me raise funds for this emergency response effort. Every donation, no matter the size, will help provide essential items for people who need them right now.

A gift of $10 can help provide toiletries.

A gift of $25 can help provide new underwear and hygiene items.

A gift of $50 or more can help support several people with basic essentials they may not otherwise receive.

Please help me support Xavier Mission and the people they serve. This is a lesson in emergency response, but it is also a lesson in dignity.

Thank you for helping me take action.