It Began with a Birthday Party
In May 2010, Jeff and Loren Feingold wanted to share the joys of giving back with daughter, Grace, who was turning two. So, instead of gifts, the couple asked guests to bring children’s items to donate to Grace’s birthday party. Thanks to the generosity of their guests, they were able to donate many items to a local nonprofit organization.
Later, Jeff received a phone call from a social worker at the nonprofit. During this call, they spoke about one of the largest unmet needs in the community – hygiene products. Jeff continued speaking with social workers and other nonprofits about the unmet need. Motivated by this, Jeff founded Hope & Comfort, began distributing hygiene products out of the family’s garage in the early years, and achieved 501(c)3 status in June 2011.
Our Growth as an Organization
Hope & Comfort has grown significantly since receiving 501(c)3 status, and has seen a sharp increase in demand. To manage the growing number of incoming hygiene product requests, Hope & Comfort hired its first employee in August 2014. Following this, the organization moved from Jeff’s garage to a warehouse. Hope & Comfort has built a strong distribution network in Boston that is able to distribute products to those who need them most.
Jeff continues to get help from his two all-star volunteers, daughter Grace and son Kenny. His children love to help with sorting, packing, and distributing essential hygiene products.
Milestones
Hover over the dots below to view Hope & Comfort's highlights over the years.
May
The Feingolds accept donations in lieu of presents for their daughter’s birthday party. Through this donation, they meet a social worker who confirms that there is a huge unmet need for hygiene products. Hope & Comfort is born!
September
Hope & Comfort makes its first distribution of 250 tubes of toothpaste to Jewish Family and Children’s Service’s Family Table.
January
Hope & Comfort hits 1,000 items distributed.
June
Hope & Comfort is granted 501(c)3 status.
November
Hope & Comfort hits 15,000 items distributed.
January
Hope & Comfort hits 30,000 items distributed.
August
Hope & Comfort hires its first full-time employee.
November
Hope & Comfort partners with Boys & Girls Club of Boston and nursing students from Mass General Hospital.
November
Hope & Comfort hits 50,000 items distributed.
December
Hope & Comfort moves into its first “official” storage space in Newton, MA.
February
Hope & Comfort launches its first program to supply local food pantries with hygiene products.
April
Hope & Comfort launches a program with Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston to provide hygiene products and education to youth in Boston.
October
Hope & Comfort hits 100,000 items distributed.
November
Hope & Comfort celebrates the grand opening of its first office and warehouse space.
April
Hope & Comfort hits 150,000 items distributed.
August
Hope & Comfort hits 200,000 items distributed.
November
Hope & Comfort hits 250,000 items distributed.
March
Hope & Comfort hits 300,000 items distributed.
September
Hired the organization’s first Executive Director.
November
Hope & Comfort hits 400,000 items distributed.
May
Hope & Comfort hits 500,000 items distributed.
September
Moved to new office and warehouse space in Needham which offers almost double the square footage of our previous warehouse.
September
Hope & Comfort hits 600,000 items distributed.
December
Hope & Comfort hits 700,000 items distributed.
March
Hope & Comfort hits 800,000 items distributed.
December
Hope & Comfort hits 1,000,000 products distributed since our founding.
September
Hope & Comfort has it's single largest distribution, distributing 500,000 bars of soap in response to COVID-19.
December
Hope & Comfort hits 2,700,000 products distributed since our founding.
June
Hope & Comfort celebrates the 10th anniversary of our founding.
August
Jeff Feingold is named a CNN Hero.
December
Hope & Comfort distributes over 1,900,000 hygiene products in 2021.
October
Hope & Comfort hires its first CEO.