MN Atheist Philanthropy: Pad Project

By Nancy Hertz and Caroline Brunner

At the Pad Project events we make washable, re-useable maxi pads for girls and women in impoverished areas around the world. These durable and long-lasting maxi pad kits consist of two waterproof base units, four heavy liners and four light liners. They can be washed and re-used many times. They can last up to three years. The pads are sent to young girls who cannot attend school during their periods due to not having access to menstrual pads.

What makes this situation even more alarming is that high school boys and men in their area are buying disposable pads and giving them to the girls in exchange for sex. The sad situation that many of these young girls find themselves in is having to choose between dropping out of school or having to prostitute themselves in order to graduate. In Kenya, graduating from high school is often the difference between having a career and a bright future, or going hungry.

After we make the pads they are sent to The Pad Project to be distributed to where they are needed.

We have been making pads every quarter for one year. We have made and shipped out 153 sets of pads. That means 153 young girls are able to attend school every day. We also have many pads in various stages of being done.

At each event we cut material, put the pads together to be sewn, turn the pads in side out, apply snaps and put them together for shipping. We need people both with and without sewing experience. After working on the pads we order pizza and take time to socialize and relax.

Many thanks to the MNA board for helping with expenses!

If you are interested in helping out please sign up on Meetup.