How to Start a Menstrual Product Drive at Your School

Why This Matters

Many Latina students and families, especially those in poverty, struggle to afford menstrual products like pads and tampons. This is called period poverty, and it affects access to education, confidence, and health.

By starting a menstrual product drive, you can help break the stigma and make sure everyone in your community has what they need.

1. Get Permission & Support

• Talk to a trusted adult (teacher, counselor, school nurse, or principal) about your idea.

• Ask: “Can we start a donation drive to collect menstrual products for students in need or a local shelter?”

• Find out where donations can be stored safely and how to distribute them.

2. Set a Goal

• Decide how long your drive will run (1–3 weeks is ideal).

• Choose a goal—example: “Let’s collect 500 pads and tampons in 2 weeks.”

• Choose where donations will go:

  • A school nurse or counselor’s office

  • Local women’s shelter or food pantry

  • Mutual aid or community organizations

3. Build a Team

• Invite classmates, club members, or your Latinx student union to help.

• Create roles like:

  • Social media/poster design

  • Morning announcements

  • Donation tracking

  • Delivery and drop-off

4. Spread the Word

• Use posters, flyers, announcements, and social media to promote:

  • What to donate (pads, tampons, panty liners, period underwear)

  • Where to drop them off

  • Why this matters

Poster slogan ideas:

• "Periods are normal. Access should be too."

• "Help us fight period poverty—one pad at a time."

• "Dignity. Health. Equity."

5. Make It Easy to Give

• Set up donation bins in trusted, high-traffic places: office, library, nurse’s room, or club hallway.

• Label bins clearly. Make sure they’re checked regularly.

• Only accept new, unopened products.

6. Celebrate and Share

• Thank your donors and team publicly.

• Share how many items you collected and where they’re going.

• Post photos (with permission) to inspire others.

• Write a short blog or social media post: “Here’s how we helped fight period poverty!”

Optional: Go Further

• Host a “Period Positivity Day” with facts, myth-busting, and art.

• Ask your school to provide free products in bathrooms permanently.

• Start a permanent Menstrual Care Cabinet in the nurse’s office.