1 Million Hand Washes: Our response to COVID-19

It really is amazing how quickly things can change. It seems like the last few weeks have simultaneously gone by in a blink, and been the longest month in history. 

In early March when we saw that things with this pandemic were starting to get real, we stepped up to be part of the solution. We began providing free soaps to those in the community who were unable to afford it during this critical time. We have been calling these soaps Community Bars. We started out by making about 50 lbs of Community Bars, but quickly realized that the need was much greater than we could tackle on our own. We reached out to those who have supported us over the years and asked for sponsors so that we could continue to help. 

The response was AWE-INSPIRING, since March, we have received over $1K in sponsorships that have gone directly to materials and overhead. Because of this, we’ve been able to donate 433 lbs of soap which is 1,386 bars, or over 623,500 hand washes! 

We began working with just a handful of community organizations that helped us to take the bulk soaps and distribute them directly to those in need. We have heard the powerful stories from them of school kids receiving soaps with their weekly learning kits, shelters for people who are facing homelessness can continue providing facilities for showers and nursing homes having access to soaps that will not dry out the sensitive skin of the residents. These soaps are also being added to care packages being created for nurses and doctors on the front lines. We are truly honored to be part of this community support network.

We will continue providing Community Bars to help in the fight against COVID-19, but we are well aware that although the pandemic will come to an end, there will always be a neighbor in need. 

High quality, eco-friendly soap should not be a luxury. We want to ensure the community organizations we have been working with that we are in this for the long run. That is why, what started as a response to the crisis will be continuing for the long run. We’re announcing the launch of One Million Hand Washes, a program to make sure our community has access to high quality soaps in their time of need. 

Over the next few months as the pandemic settles, we will be adjusting the program to reflect the changing needs of the community, more information to come. But until then, we will continue with the long hours in the lab and doing all we can to help prevent the spread. 

Wash your hands - we are here to help!

Kim