I used to work in a hotel, and one of the most common questions I got from guests was about those little bottles of shampoo and conditioner in the bathrooms. Most people thought they were just freebies to use once and throw away, but there’s actually more to the story. What guests don’t often realize is that hotels rarely waste those items. If the bottles are unopened, they’re rotated back into the stock. And if there are extras at the end of a guest’s stay, many hotels partner with local charities to donate them.

I once helped box up hundreds of bottles that went straight to shelters, where they were given to families in need.Of course, you can use them during your stay — that’s what they’re there for — but I always thought it was nice to know that even something so small could make a difference.

A simple hotel amenity could end up helping someone feel clean and cared for during a tough time.It was a reminder to me that behind the scenes, hospitality is about more than comfort. Sometimes, it’s about kindness in the little things too.