Simply the Basics + Bloomberg’s Partnership Improving Hygiene Equity
At Simply the Basics, we’re proud to work alongside corporate partners who share our commitment to hygiene equity and community empowerment. Bloomberg stands out as a powerful example of how companies can turn employee passion into real-world impact. They’ve helped sponsor and assemble thousands of essential hygiene and menstrual kits to neighbors across the country through Simply the Basics employee-driven volunteer activities.
Curious to learn what drives their team’s dedication and the impact of this partnership? Keep reading to hear our interview with Malia Simonds from Bloomberg’s Corporate Philanthropy team.
Simply the Basics: Bloomberg has a strong commitment to giving back. What inspires your team’s support towards hygiene access?
Malia Simonds: We care deeply about the communities where we live and work, and we’re always looking for ways our employees can offer their support in a meaningful way.
Hygiene access is such a basic need—and yet it’s one that’s often overlooked. Our team was looking for a tangible way for Bloomberg’s employees to make a large and immediate difference, and the kits Simply the Basics assembles and distributes do exactly that: a simple act that makes a huge difference for so many people.
Since our partnership with Simply the Basics began in 2021, more than 1,000 Bloomberg employees have helped package more than 25,000 hygiene necessities kits across six U.S. cities: Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Princeton, and San Francisco. Each one of those kits helps restore stability and care for someone in need.
Simply the Basics: Simply the Basics is so proud to be partnered in this goal! What has been the inspiration for Bloomberg selecting Simply the Basics?
Malia Simonds: We were drawn to Simply the Basics because their approach is practical, hands-on, and rooted in our shared belief in dignity for all. Our employees can see the impact right away, and that’s incredibly motivating. Our partnership reflects how we think about philanthropy at Bloomberg—combining our global reach with meaningful local action to strengthen communities and meet real needs.
Simply the Basics’ proven effectiveness, measurable outcomes, and deep commitment to dignity and equity make them an ideal partner for strengthening communities through employee-driven initiatives.
Simply the Basics: Your team has helped sponsor and pack tens of thousands of Simply the Basics’ hygiene and menstrual kits through nationwide volunteer events with us. Is there a specific moment that stands out from these events as being most memorable?
Malia Simonds: We love seeing Bloomberg employees from offices across the country roll up their sleeves each March during International Women’s Month and come together to assemble thousands of menstrual kits that can have an immediate, positive impact in someone’s life. There’s something special about watching colleagues from different teams and cities unite to support their neighbors in such a tangible way. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we connect purpose with action. Last year, we packed more than 12,000 kits, and this year employees are already eager to do even more.
Simply the Basics: Beyond providing essential supplies, these kits help restore dignity and health to those in need. From your perspective, how does Bloomberg see the broader impact of these efforts?
Malia Simonds: For us, these kits are about more than hygiene. They’re about confidence and independence. By ensuring people have access to basic necessities, we help remove everyday barriers so they can focus on their health, their families, and their goals. When that foundation is in place, the impact extends beyond the individual and strengthens entire communities.
“Simply the Basics’ proven effectiveness, measurable outcomes, and deep commitment to dignity and equity make them an ideal partner for strengthening communities through employee-driven initiatives.”
Simply the Basics: Social responsibility has been a large part of Bloomberg’s identity. How does our partnership align with your overall mission, and what advice would you give to other companies looking to create meaningful impact or get involved?
Malia Simonds: Our partnership with Simply the Basics brings our values to life in a really tangible way. We want purpose to show up in real ways, not just in words. This is one of those partnerships where our employees can see the impact right in front of them. It’s hands-on, it’s immediate, and it matters. My advice: find partners you genuinely believe in, invite your employees to roll up their sleeves, and focus on impact you can actually see. And honestly, call Simply the Basics. They make it easy to get involved. When your team feels connected to the impact, it becomes part of your culture.
Simply the Basics: Looking ahead, what excites you most about our continued partnership in supporting Simply the Basics and hygiene equity?
Malia Simonds: What excites me most is the momentum. Every time we host a project, more employees want to get involved. There’s something special about watching that energy grow city by city. We’re looking forward to reaching more communities, bringing even more employees into the work, and continuing to partner with Simply the Basics in ways that are practical and meaningful. When you see how something as simple as a kit can make someone’s day easier, it reminds you that our people really can make a profound difference in the communities where they live and work. Bloomberg’s commitment reminds us what’s possible when companies and employees come together with purpose in partnership with local nonprofits. At Simply the Basics, we see every kit packed and every hour volunteered ripple outward into stronger, healthier communities and help to sustain and grow the impact of our work. And you can be part of this, too.
Want to see your team making this kind of impact? Whether through kit packing, hosting a hygiene drive, or supporting our work in other ways, your actions directly expand access to hygiene and opportunity for those who need it most. Learn more HERE
