Tell us a little about yourself + your business
My name is Sarah Tyndall, and I am the founder and Executive Director of Boxes of Basics. Boxes of Basics is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children in our community who are facing clothing insecurity. We provide each child with a full, seasonally appropriate wardrobe of new and high-quality gently used clothing, delivered with dignity and compassion through our network of 168 referring partners, including schools, other nonprofits, and human service agencies.
I live in Haymarket with my husband and our two sons, who are in elementary and middle school. I have lived in Prince William County for more than 20 years and am deeply connected to this community.
Boxes of Basics began in my basement and has grown into a vibrant organization operating out of a large warehouse in Manassas, supported by five part-time staff members and more than 900 volunteers. Since our launch, we have provided the gift of clothing to over 8,500 local children.
What is a memorable moment or accomplishment you can share about your business?
One of the most memorable moments for Boxes of Basics was our ribbon-cutting event at our warehouse. It marked a major milestone for our organization, symbolizing our growth from a small basement operation into something much bigger. Nearly 100 supporters attended, many of whom were members of the HGB A, and seeing that level of community turnout was incredibly moving.
That moment truly showed me how much support we had and helped set the stage for our continued growth. It raised awareness that children in our community are facing clothing insecurity and demonstrated that our community is willing to step up in a big way to support those kids. Even three years later, that event stands out as a turning point for Boxes of Basics.
How did you get involved with HGBA + what do you like most about being part of our networking community?
I got involved with HGBA through my friend and neighbor, Debbie Jewell, who is now the Community Partnership Director for Boxes of Basics. HGBA has been an incredible partner to our organization over the years, most notably by hosting the annual “Undy 500” at one of their meetings. During that meeting, I have the opportunity to share our mission, and members are encouraged to bring a pack of new underwear to donate to Boxes of Basics.
It is always one of my favorite days. The generosity, energy, and genuine support from the HGBA community are truly special, and it means so much to see members rally together to support local children in such a tangible way.
Are there any upcoming goals or projects that you or your business are excited about?
The demand for Boxes of Basics continues to grow, and that is both humbling and motivating. In 2025, we distributed nearly 40% more Boxes of Basics than we did in 2024, and we are hearing from more communities that are interested in having Boxes of Basics support children in their area.
As a result, we are seriously exploring the possibility of opening a second location and replicating the Boxes of Basics model to reach more children in need. While it is heartbreaking that the need is so great, we are honored to be part of the solution and excited about the opportunity to expand our impact.
Share something about yourself that people might be surprised to learn?
Something people might be surprised to learn about me is that I’m a big WWE professional wrestling fan. I actually grew up watching wrestling with my brother, and I love that my kids enjoy watching it now, too. I’ve always been a fan, and it’s become a fun, full-circle family tradition.