Lansdale, Pa – Today, First Lady Lori Shapiro and the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement visited the Mitzvah Circle’s product drive in Montgomery County where they handed out period products to the local community to recognize Period Day of Action (PAD). The First Lady continues to champion advancing menstrual equity for Pennsylvania women and girls across the Commonwealth.
“Period products are a basic hygiene necessity but too many people across the Commonwealth still don’t have access to them. On Period Action Day, we’re coming together to help end the stigma around menstruation and ensure that everyone has the products they need,” said First Lady Lori Shapiro. “It’s inspiring to see non-profit organizations like the Mitzvah Circle leading the way to meet this critical need. Through their work supplying free period products and other essential items to the community, they’re helping bring comfort and stability to those who need it most.”
The Mitzvah Circle is a non-profit organization that delivers diapers, clothing, period supplies, and more — ensuring that parents can work, children can go to school, and no one has to choose between food and hygiene. In 2024, they served over 500,000 people with the help of 3,620 volunteers, 13 full-time staff, and 345 community partners. In August 2025, they had a fire that resulted in the loss of two truckloads of new products and damages to the building. Since then, the community has worked together to restock the lost products. Today, the Mitzvah Circle was able to reach one million pads donated in 2025, helping the community move forward with dignity.
"It is amazing to be here with our First Lady Lori Shapiro, when we are providing our one millionth pad this year – today!” said Fran Held, Founder of the Mitzvah Circle. “Fifty of our partner agencies are here to pick up period products that we have purchased to distribute them across the Commonwealth — allowing thousands of people to attend work and school. Every second Saturday of October is PAD — a global day of action dedicated to promoting menstrual equity and ending stigmatization. PAD was initiated by PERIOD., a global youth fueled non-profit which strives to eradicate period poverty and stigma through advocacy, education, and service. The 7th Annual Period Action Day was Saturday, October 11, 2025.
“In celebration of Period Action Day, we applaud Pennsylvania’s efforts to further free access to period products in schools and public places,” said PERIOD. National Policy and Campaign Manager Sydney Ramon. “At a time when nearly 1 in 4 students in the United States struggle to afford period products and a third of teens have missed valuable class time because of a lack of access to these products, we encourage other states to follow Pennsylvania's lead and ensure that no one has to miss out on life because of their period.”
“Everyone deserves access to the menstrual products they need to live healthy and productive lives, but for our neighbors struggling to make ends meet, these products can be cost-prohibitive,” said Senator Maria Collett. “As a nurse and sponsor of the PA Menstrual Equity Act, I’m so grateful to First Lady Lori Shapiro for championing initiatives like free period products in our public schools and state parks — and for lifting up incredible community partners like Mitzvah Circle.”
“I was honored to join First Lady Lori Shapiro in our district to recognize Period Action Day with an afternoon of service at Mitzvah Circle. Access to period products is a matter of dignity and health, and I am proud to stand alongside community partners who are breaking down barriers and ensuring that no one is left behind,” said State Representative Melissa Cerrato. “I am deeply grateful to Mitzvah Circle for their tireless commitment and to all the volunteers who came together to support women and families. When we unite in service, we strengthen our community and lift one another up.”
"It was so uplifting to see firsthand the work that Mitzvah Circle puts into combatting period poverty. It’s always a great day to work alongside First Lady Lori Shapiro, a fellow, fierce advocate for menstrual equity,” said State Rep. Darisha Parker. "I’m overjoyed that the advocacy we started in Harrisburg is spreading far and wide and people realize that period products are a necessity — not a luxury!"
Governor Shapiro and the First Lady are committed to ensuring that Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth have access to no-cost menstrual products. In his 2024-25 bipartisan budget, the Governor secured $3 million for free products in K-12 schools, and has proposed an additional $3 million in this year’s budget. In May 2024, he signed the HIRE Executive Order, which directed the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to provide free menstrual products in Commonwealth-owned facilities. Most recently, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced the launch of free products in 68 state parks.
“The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement was honored to join First Lady Lori Shapiro, Senator Collett, Representative Cerrato and Representative Parker at the Mitzvah Circle,” said Ruby Mundok, Executive Director, Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement. “Period Action Day celebrates the efforts of young Pennsylvanians, like the Mitzvah Circle’s interns and Teen Ambassadors, in their work to ensure menstrual equity and end stigmatization. We will continue to work alongside youth advocates to achieve this important goal.”
Pennsylvania’s young women deserve peace of mind so they can focus on academic learning, attendance, and health. This is an issue the First Lady has engaged on directly, visiting nonprofits that work to distribute feminine hygiene products in communities, inviting stakeholders to the Governor's Residence, and visiting schools across the Commonwealth to hear from students directly. She has also heard directly from young women about the importance of access to these products.
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