According to She Supply’s Chairwoman Denise Angarola,
“One in three low-income North Texas women miss work and girls miss school monthly because they can’t afford or access feminine hygiene or ‘period’ products. So, in 2024, She Supply is working to distribute one million period products to women and girls living in poverty.
“In addition to the more than 150,000 female-led households in DFW living below the federal poverty line, one in four North Texas women and girls struggle monthly to afford or access period products. Not only do these women face financial constraints to secure the basics of food, shelter and clothing, they are also faced with an added uniquely feminine and expensive necessity to maintain their health.
“We fill this gap by distributing free period products to schools, food pantries, community service and crisis centers so women and girls have the products needed to maintain their health, everyday activities, and dignity.
“Over the years, the support of Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day has helped us raise over $68,000 to fulfill our mission and allowed us expand our service area to more than 20 partner agencies in Dallas, Denton, Collin and Tarrant counties.
“In 2016, our co-founders Shari Mayes and Kathy Meyer had a vision to distribute free period products to families living in poverty. In January of 2023, after years of hard work and dedication, She Supply distributed our one millionth product in a special ceremony at The Family Place in Dallas, one of our longtime partners. By the end of last year, we had distributed over 500,000 more and for 2024, She Supply has set a goal to distribute one million period products before the end of the year.
“We are focused on providing short-and-long term solutions to ensure every woman and girl has access to the products they need. Since Texas does not require free products in restrooms at public schools or facilities, this Fall, She Supply will launch a pilot program across ten campuses in the Lewisville School District and install a dispenser of free pads in every girl’s restroom stall! In October, we have the honor to represent the state of Texas for the annual Period.org Period Action Day Roll Call and share current legislation and school access information.
“We are closing in on our ‘million more in ‘24’ goal, and with the support of our fellow North Texans this North Texas Giving Day, we will finish the year strong. More importantly, more women and girls will have the products they need to maintain their health and dignity.”
* Graphic/photo provided by She Supply
In 15 years, Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day has pumped more than $566 million into the North Texas community. In 2023, more than $63.9 million was raised through 97,000 donors benefiting 3,249 area nonprofits.
On Thursday, September 19, support She Supply by clicking here and spreading the word. #NorthTexasGivingDay2024