What the heck is a period packing party? It’s exactly what it sounds like! It’s a bunch of people come together to pack period supplies to donate to the community. Sounds fun, right?
I had the pleasure of attending a period packing party to benefit the Homeless Period Project. Locals came together to fill hundreds of period packs for our community. Then volunteers brought the packs to local schools and shelters in the Charleston area.
Period supplies are needed nationwide, especially now during the pandemic. If your community does not have a HPP chapter, that doesn’t mean there isn’t need for supplies. Homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, and schools are always looking for donations. You can make a difference in your area.
Did you know that trans men (those born biologically female, but identify as male) often still menstruate? Purchasing hygiene supplies can lead to harassment or gender dysphoria. For this reason, period packs are a safe way for trans men to receive the mensuration supplies they need.
Period poverty is faced all over the world, by people who don’t have a way to manage their periods. They may be unable to go to work or school during their period, or put their health at risk without hygienic supplies. It may be that they can’t afford it, or they don’t have access. Either way, period packs help to provide period supplies to those in need.
Teenagers, and even pre-teens, from poverty areas often stay home from school during their periods if they don’t have access to supplies. If they do have supplies, they may wear them longer than the recommended time, in an effort to get extended use. Some may resort to using toilet paper, wash cloths, or even socks to try and catch their flow. This has long term impacts on their education, and success in life.
Why Host a Period Packing Party?
Period packing parties are a great way to rally together a large amount of period packs. Although individuals can pack and donate any time, parties pull together many people and they work together towards a goal.
Packing parties are great service events for your group. Scouting groups, homeschool groups, pageant titleholders… period packing parties are a great volunteer opportunity. Period packing does not need to be exclusive to ladies! Invite your husbands, sons, and their friends to participate. Another benefit of the packing parties is education. Just because someone doesn’t experience a period doesn’t mean they shouldn’t learn about it. Period knowledge is priceless. And inviting men helps to bust the period taboo. Why should periods be hush hush? Teen boys can keep a pack or two in their backpack for a classmate’s emergency. Dads can support their daughters. Service is service.
Most importantly, hosting a period packing party will make a direct impact in your community. You will be helping to put a stop to period poverty.
Host a Virtual Period Packing Party
In a time of social distancing, hosting a packing party at a public location is not necessarily an option. But the need for period packs does not decrease with the lack of parties- in fact, the need increases during time of crisis! Hosting a virtual party allows more participants to fill bags, or for community members to donate supplies to your packing party.
- Make an event of Facebook. This will allow community members to “attend”, as well as share the event with individuals who are not local. It also creates a discussion board for communication and updates.
- Build an Amazon wishlist (or any other online retailer) and encourage donors to purchase directly and have them shipped to your home. Or, it allows people to order their own items to pack at their own home.
- Consider a video chat while packing. If other members will be packing simultaneously, like at a physical packing party, a video chat will add some distant socialization.
- Collect any period packs from participants. Set a drop-off date and location to collect any period packs that were filled by other members. Combine the packs (keeping adult and girl packs separate) and determine a total count before donating.
- Report the results. This is important. Donors will want to know how many period packs were filled, and where they were dropped off. If possible, share photos from the drop off (maintaining confidentiality where necessary).
Once the pandemic is over, period packing parties can be held in person. Similar to above, party hosts would also seek out a venue to hold the event, and invite community members to come assist with the packing. You’re also able to connect with local businesses to sponsor financial donations, and/or supply donations. Physical parties are even more fun than virtual parties!
What To Put into a Period Pack
Each pack is designed to equip a menstruating person for one cycle. However, depending on the age of the person, the contents may vary. Period packs that go to a homeless shelter or women’s shelter can contain tampons, and also should cover a heavier flow. Whereas school packs do not contain tampons, and may contain less for a lighter flow. Most period packs are in single use plastic ziptop bags, but it is always a nice bonus to fill small cosmetic bags. This is not only more sustainable, but offers discretion to the recipient.
Homeless Shelter Pack
- 7 tampons
- 7 pads
- 7 pantyliners
- 7 hygiene wipes
School Pack
- 5 pads
- 5 pantyliners
- 5 hygiene wipes
*If supply is not limited, school packs can increase to 7 per item
Once the packs are filled, it’s time to donate them! Network to find a shelter or school. Always call ahead to make sure they are interested. Some organizations may refer you to a different group. Once you find a recipient, you may find yourself wanting to hold another party to keep them stocked. They will be so thankful.
Period packing parties are an easy way to make an impact and fight the period poverty. Have you ever been to a period packing party? Let me know if your community has an organization that hosts them. If not, I hope you are inspired to host your own period packing party for your town.
Pin for Later
