In the world of emergency aid and nonprofit support, cost, speed and reliability aren’t just nice-to-haves — they’re critical. That’s the reality for thousands of community organizations across the country. One Phoenix-based company, DollarDays, has been active in this space for more than two decades, helping connect shelters, schools and disaster relief groups with essential bulk supplies at accessible prices.
Founded as a wholesale supplier with a mission to serve nonprofits, schools and community organizations, DollarDays offers more than 25,000 products in bulk, from school supplies to personal care kits, tailored to the needs of their partners. But what sets DollarDays apart is not just the size of the company’s catalog, but its model of how goods are sourced and supplied, allowing the partners it serves to react and respond quickly to the needs in their communities.
One factor contributing to its pricing flexibility is the proprietary brand offerings in many of DollarDays’ core categories. These brands and products allow DollarDays to offer quality items at very competitive prices. As inflation and supply chain challenges continue to stretch nonprofit budgets, speed and affordability can make all the difference.
“We’re always looking for ways to help our customers stretch their budgets,” says Jim Jacobs, CEO of DollarDays. “But it’s about more than price — it’s about doing what’s right. Every product decision we make is guided by the impact it will have on the organizations we serve. We constantly challenge ourselves to make products more accessible, because at the end of the day, it’s not just about shipping supplies — it’s about helping our partners make a difference in their communities.”
That commitment has played out in real-world natural disasters and time-sensitive aid efforts. In 2024, after Hurricane Helene took out bridges and roadways in North Carolina and Tennessee, DollarDays was able to send two truckloads of emergency relief supplies within 48 hours. That same year, a California nonprofit urgently needed car seats and strollers over a weekend, but traditional parcel and delivery carriers couldn’t deliver in time. Taking an extra step, representatives from the company not only assisted in sourcing the car seats, they also delivered the supplies themselves to meet the deadline.
These types of responses aren’t the result of a single warehouse or one-off generosity; they’re tied to a deliberate logistics model aimed at making bulk purchasing both accessible and scalable for organizations of all sizes. With no minimum order requirements and personalized support from dedicated account specialists, DollarDays serves a wide range of clients — from national charities to local community groups navigating limited budgets.
Meeting Practical Needs with Purpose
However, affordability is only part of the equation. For many organizations, the question isn’t just how many hygiene kits they can purchase; it’s whether those kits provide dignity to the person receiving them.
DollarDays offers products that balance reliability and affordability. One of the company’s proprietary brand offerings and highest-volume products includes backpacks. “In serving schools and organizations that support large populations of children, backpacks are in high demand. It’s an item we know has to last an entire school year, if not longer,” says Jacobs. “With prices starting in the $4 range, our clients can feel confident that even budget-conscious solutions can deliver long-lasting impact and provide that confidence and self-worth a backpack gives to a child.”
This balance between cost and quality reflects a broader trend: Nonprofits are increasingly looking for suppliers who understand both the logistics and emotional stakes of what they do. From basic blankets to winter coats, the supplies distributed through DollarDays often form the first layer of comfort for individuals in crisis.
Local Commitment, Broader Reach
While the company serves numerous high-visibility national organizations, it maintains close ties to the Phoenix community. Local partnerships with organizations like UMOM New Day Centers and Copa Health ensure that regional needs are not lost in the shuffle. Through annual giving initiatives, employees participate in donation drives, volunteering time and effort to deliver supplies personally.
As economic pressures continue to impact charitable giving and operational costs alike, many community-based organizations are rethinking how they source goods. Companies like DollarDays — those built around compassion, responsiveness and an understanding of nonprofit realities — are becoming increasingly essential in helping organizations make every dollar count.
Whether responding to an emergency, preparing students and teachers for the next school year, or spearheading community outreach efforts, the organizations that serve others rely on suppliers who balance logistics with humanity. DollarDays is one example of a business adapting its model to meet that challenge head-on.
Photo courtesy of DollarDays
