The Period Pals Project

Six years of menstrual pads-300 pads per year (1,800 pads!) @$246.81 + $20.83 TAX!=$267.64. I will be bringing these to Emergency Family Assistance (EFAA) tomorrow.

We watch for deals and coupons but primarily shop at Costco where the cost of tampons and pads is half the cost of average stores. However, most folks who can’t afford menstrual supplies also cannot afford a Costco membership. Many have limited access to transportation and are therefore forced to shop at over priced drug stores in their neighborhoods. Making the cost of not only menstrual supplies but everything else most expensive to those with the least.

We are so grateful to our donors, without whom none of this would be possible. Our fundraiser in December was fantastic and we are forever grateful to The Peace Meal Project for helping put it all together.

We have a few goals for 2018.

Starting with our school-age population. We want to start the conversation to bring free supplies to all BVSD/St Vrain Valley SD schools, and ultimately statewide. We believe free menstrual supplies should be available in all appropriate bathrooms in all of our public schools. In 2017 the states of New York, California and Illinois passed laws requiring public schools provide assess to free menstrual supplies at school.
https://fierce.wearemitu.com/fierce/california-public-schools-will-now-offer-free-tampons/
https://www.citylab.com/life/2016/06/new-yorks-step-toward-menstrual-equity/488099/
http://www.bnd.com/news/local/article173374866.html

We know, because we have heard first hand from our recipients, that students are missing school every month for lack of menstrual supplies. These valuable members of our community should not have to worry about yet another obstacle to their success. The Period Pals Project will continue to be available to those with ongoing needs by providing all schools with 1-year supply packages.

We want to grow our presence at EFAA by making our one year supply packages available to all participants. As it stands, Denise offers them during her 2 hour shift once a week. Over the past 7 months we’ve provided over 50 recipients with a one year supply during just this single weekly shift. We’d like to make this program available during all hours to all participants. In order to confidently launch we feel we need a healthy inventory of at least 50 years. It adds up quickly $12.99 x 50=$649.50. We’re currently in a position to launch, but need to remain sustainable.

In order to remain sustainable we need to widen our net and broaden our exposure. We are assembling an advisory board to continue to expand and grow. Please contact us if you’re interested.

We will work actively to put together a youth coalition to bring the younger members of our community into the conversation and give them some ownership of this important movement.

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