This post has been sponsored Find Your Influence and U by Kotex. All opinions are mine alone. We keep it real at Naturally Glam.
When I think about donating to homeless shelters, I think food, clothing, and toiletries like soap, toothpaste, and shampoo. But what about the women and girls who have their period to deal with? I’d never really thought about that until I started working with the Transitions Family Violence Services organization a couple of years ago. When I asked what type of supplies should we donate, the first thing mentioned was sanitary products.
So when Find Your Influence contacted me about helping to promote the Power to the Period campaign, I was all in to help spread the word. The Power to the Period Donation Drive is the second installment of the U by Kotex brand’s new Period Projects. This is a groundbreaking series of projects, each inspired and led by a real woman who shares the brand’s passion for creating change.
Many of the 3.5 million Americans who experience homelessness each year have limited access to and few places to turn for period products. Holly Sanchez inspired Power to the Period with a Twitter post calling for everyone to buy an extra box of pads or tampons when shopping for feminine care to donate to a homeless shelter. Inspired by that tweet and executed in partnership with DoSomething.org, the U by Kotex Power to the Period drive encourages people to buy and donate an extra pack of period products to a homeless shelter. One of the largest global organizations for young people and social change, DoSomething.org has 5.3 million members in 131 countries who tackle volunteer programs that impact every cause.
The U by Kotex Power to the Period drive is proof that together we can change the way we think about, talk about and support the period needs of homeless people in our communities. It’s so easy to participate. Start a Power to the Period donation drive or donate new boxes of period products to a drive in your area from Thursday, July 14 through Friday, September 30.
Donate unopened packages of period products (pads, panty liners, etc.), as opposed to individually wrapped items. It’s more hygienic, and it’s important that people see the instructions on the package. The U by Kotex® brand will also make product donations on behalf of DoSomething.org contest winners and participants can sign up for a chance to win a $5,000 scholarship.
YouTube celebrity Ingrid Nilsen is also passionate about increasing access to period products for the homeless so she got involved with the Power to the Period donation Drive. See her in the Power to the Period PSA here.
Ready to get started? Visit UbyKotex.com, DoSomething.org/Period or text PERIOD to 38383 to learn how to get involved. You can also learn more about other Period Projects and to request a U by Kotex® product sample. Join the online conversation with #PeriodProjects.
I never really thought about how homeless women deal! I have a hard time dealing, and I have access to everything I need, facilities included. this is truly a worthwhile cause.
I just heard about this the other day and I love the idea. This would get my support for sure!
Amazing program. It is definitely something I recently thought about when I did homeless bags back in the winter. I love the giving spirit in you and this organization
Love this idea. I would love to help out. I can’t imagine not having access to pads and tampons. I usually stock up, now I can buy more for others who need it.
I’ve heard of women taking an old purse and filling it with women’s personal hygiene products for homeless women. It’s something I have thought of doing, but never followed through. This is awesome! I am happy that Ingrid is taking on this mission because it is outstanding.
This is such an awesome campaign! I never even thought about the need until reading about this project a few weeks ago.
What a great project to help these young girls and women get a much needed item during that time of the month.
I love this movement and I think it is so necessary. Like you I’ve donated deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste and even socks. As a woman I can’t believe that I never thought to include sanitary napkins.
I will be sure to do my part.
I just recently heard about this from another blogger and I think this is a truly amazing idea. It also made me think of the things that we take for granted. Awesome Cause!
Great program. I guess this is one other thing to show us how fortunate we are. Homeless women without sanitary products never crossed my mind.
This is awesome. I have never thought about how homeless women deal with their periods! Thanks for shining a light on this!