From Help A Girl Out USA
On Saturday, Oct. 10, Help A Girl Out USA (HAGO USA) hosted a successful Period Action Day community collection and packing event at the Reading Public Library Main Branch. From 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., nearly 75 community volunteers gathered to donate, sort, and assemble period supply kits to help eliminate menstrual hygiene barriers for individuals across Berks County.
First Lady Lori Shapiro and her team joined local advocates, educators, and public officials to support the effort. Volunteers from Drexel University College of Medicine (DUCOM) worked alongside the Reading School District (RSD) Cheer Squad, Dr. Mumia, and Dr. Gillmore Harris. The RSD Cheer Squad provided high energy throughout the morning, closing the event with a custom cheer tailored to the cause.
In total, volunteers packaged 300 complete one-week supply kits, contributing to a total of 11,396 units of period supplies collected, sorted, and prepared for distribution.
According to data from the Alliance for Period Supplies, 1 in 7 women in Pennsylvania live below the federal poverty line, and 1 in 4 teens in PA miss school due to period poverty.
“We are so deeply grateful to First Lady Lori Shapiro, our legislative partners, and all of our incredible volunteers for coming together to make an impact on this critical issue,” said Suzanne Cody, Help A Girl Out USA leader. “Ensuring access to basic period supplies allows women and girls in our community to perform everyday activities with dignity, including work, school, and social activities.”
The event drew strong representation from recipient partners and community organizations, including the Olivet Boys & Girls Club, the Junior League of Reading, and the WCR Center for the Arts. Elected officials in attendance included State Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, State Senator Judy Schwank, and Reading City Councilman Jaime Baez.
Supplies available for community partners
Period supply kits and bulk materials are available for distribution through local nonprofit partners, schools, and community organizations serving individuals in need, while supplies last.
To request supplies, contact the team, join the mailing list, or learn more about regional period poverty initiatives, visit HelpAGirlOutUSA.com.
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