Donate Cloth Menstrual Pads to Good Causes
In some circumstances, cloth is the only choice available to a woman and the need for suitable cloth is urgent; whether it be for a simple piece of foldable cotton that is easy to keep clean and dry indoors, a suitable supply of pads that will allow a girl to continue attending school during her period, or a practical alternative for women who are unable to access or afford disposables. The groups and organisations below aim to assist these women.
Algerian Action - Project Washables - Small UK charity working directly to assist individuals and famililes in poverty in Algeria. Project Washables aims to assist women in Algeria who are unable to afford the high cost of disposables there. Algerian Action are not currently seeking pads due to some overall shipping and customs issues, but are hoping to resolve these soon.
Angels for Oroko Children - US-based Oroko Cultural Association, Inc. A donation can be made specifying that the money should be used to send sanitary supplies to a schoolgirl in the Oroko region of Southwest Cameroon, allowing her to attend education during her period. In an email to AlterEco, Mercy Mabian asks "will you help us meet our goal of placing Reusable Sanitary Pads in each girl's hand? These girls need 2,000 feminine hygiene products for 100 schools in the area. " It is unclear whether the project also accepts material gifts of cloth pads for the girls, but it may be worth asking! They do accept material gifts from sponsors for their sponsored child, on an individual level.
Donatepads.org - Although there's not currently an active project accepting pads, there's lots of useful information on making and buying pads to donate to good causes. They also press the important point that many women in need of menstrual basics will have no suitable underwear, and have a useful belted pad pattern which would get around this. There are patterns for pocket pads, all-in-ones and base-and-liner style pads. There are printable leaflets with how-to-use diagrams for recipients who might be unfamiliar with this style of menstrual protection, and a system for indicating the absorbency of pads. Tips on suitable fabrics and how to cut with minimal waste. Also a list of links to relevant projects, including those that have declined donations of cloth but seek other assistance.
Project Thrive: Days For Girls - Accepting donations of cloth pads (inners, outer shields - pattern on their site), drawstring bags, fabric and funds. Aimed at girls and women who would otherwise be unable to attend work or schooling or participate in society during their period, providing a complete menstrual kit.