Bringing dignity to young ladies across the globe ❤️
Washable Resuable Pads
Hub N Spoke Non Profit was created to provide the basic needs for those less fortunate and our biggest project is the washable menstrual pads, or Dignity Kits as we call them. There are volunteers in many states that are cutting the material, sewing and putting together washable menstrual pads in order to provide them to young ladies across the globe with a kit that includes seven (7) washable pads, underwear and something to hold the soiled pads until wash day.
Why washable menstrual pads you ask? Every country I have been in, the poverty level is so high that the sanitary pads are simply too expensive. The females use leaves, pages from a book or sit in a livestock shed during their menses as they have nothing, or as is believed in some countries, they are cursed.
School-age girls become victims in many ways during their week of menses and by providing free of charge, a set of washable menstrual pads, they stay in school, are less likely to be a victim of rape, and they are not shut out of the community. Washable makes sense since they do not have to find a way to dispose of the disposable pad as there is not an easy, hygienic way to do so.
The beauty is in the details.....
This is the open side (closest to the body) of a sanitary washable pad. The black material is a soft, absorbing microfleece made especially for this type of product
The pad folded over the panties, with the pad closest to the skin and the snaps on the underside of the panties
The underside of the panties snapped close to the keep the pad from slipping around
The pad folds up into itself and snaps close making it descret to carry in a pocket, backpack, purse, etc.
Last step, adding the snaps!
Then they are ready to go!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the pads made out of?
Washable menstrual pads are made with Zorb, a material that provides absorbency of the flow and prevents leakage of the fluid on clothes. Vibrant cotton that fits the culture of the countries we are dispersing them in makes them even more attractive for the females to use. The center section is made with a soft microfiber fleece that helps even the flow of the fluid on the pad. All these pieces are cut and sewn together with snap closures holding the pads in place under the underwear. Volunteers spend countless hours cutting and sewing these menstrual pads without our volunteers this would not be possible.
Can I sew them myself?
Yes! Any help with making the reusable pads are a true blessing. Please reach out to us if you would like to receive the how-to instructions and the shipping address!
Where can I get the material?
We would gladly love your donation of the Zorb or MicroFiber Fleece you can find them here:
Zorb: https://www.wazoodle.com/zorb-original-60.html
Microfiber Fleece:
https://www.wazoodle.com/fabrics/micro-fleece/protec-double-micro-fleece.html
Cotton is always needed, as long as it is new or gently used! Please, no animal prints or eyes on the material. Feel free to message us if questions. Monetary donations are accepted as well!
Where do they go once they are made/donated?
Washable menstrual pads have been given to Ghana, West Africa; Kingston, Jamaica and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. This spring additional washable menstrual pads will be delivered to an orphanage in Tanzania, South Africa, and future donations will be scheduled for India, Spain, and Nepal. Our list is growing as is our need for donations.
Special thanks to Code Red for partnering with us!
All of the materials to make these bags were donated by others who loved the idea of providing basic needs to those unable to purchase these items. To date over 750+ Aunt Flo bags have been distributed. This is a twice a year project and the supplies are collected all year. Aunt Flo and Code Red work together to provide basic needs for young girls; Code Red is one young lady’s dream to make sure all girls in school have the sanitary products they need so they don’t miss school due to no supplies at home.