Harrisburg, PA – On Saturday, First Lady Lori Shapiro co-hosted three events across Southeastern Pennsylvania for Period Action Day, continuing to champion menstrual equity for the Commonwealth’s women and girls alongside local organizations, community volunteers, and elected leaders.
Ahead of the day’s events, the First Lady’s Office received more than 5,000 tampons, over 7,000 pads, and over 5,000 panty liners from CVS, in addition to 500 pads from the Pennsylvania Department of General Services. More than 900 period kits and approximately 20,000 menstrual products were packed and collected across each of the three stops, with all remaining supplies donated to the leading, partner organization for distribution at events later in the year.
“Too many women and girls are held back because they don’t have access to health care or basic hygiene necessities. We shouldn’t accept that,” said First Lady Shapiro. “This work is going to make a real difference for the women and girls that are in need, in communities across Pennsylvania, and it’s bringing light to such an important issue that for too long has been overlooked. I’m so grateful to our hosts for Period Action Day and the volunteers who have given their time and energy to this work.”
Period Action Day is held annually on the second Saturday in October and was started by PERIOD., a youth-fueled non-profit organization on a mission to end period poverty and stigma once and for all. People across the globe take action by hosting fundraisers, advocacy rallies, educational panels, workshops, and packing parties.
"Pennsylvania is showing the country what it looks like to take action to end period poverty and stigma. By investing over $9 million to put free period products in schools, the commonwealth is making sure a period doesn’t stand in the way of opportunity,” said Jennifer Herrera, Executive Director, PERIOD. "Saturday’s packing parties brought that work into the community. Every state has the power to make this kind of change. We're grateful to First Lady Shapiro and her team, Help A Girl Out, the Allentown Bureau of Health, Mitzvah Circle, and every volunteer who showed up this Period Action Day."
At the Reading Public Library, the First Lady and Help A Girl Out USA — a grassroots movement working to restore dignity and confidence for those facing period poverty — held a product drive and packed period kits to collect essential period products for individuals and families throughout Berks and Schuylkill Counties.
“We are so honored and thankful to partner with First Lady Lori Shapiro and her office to tackle menstrual equity head-on," said Suzanne Cody, creator of Help A Girl Out USA. "Her presence and support at the Berks County Period Action Day collection and packing event energized our volunteers and highlighted the urgent need to end period poverty across Pennsylvania. First Lady Shapiro’s commitment to uplifting families makes a profound difference in the lives of those we serve, and we are so grateful for her leadership on this critical issue."
With the Allentown Health Bureau, First Lady Shapiro joined volunteers to pack period kits at the Boys and Girls Club of Allentown. The Allentown Health Bureau partners with Jefferson Health/LVHN and Valley Health Network on its Menstrual Equity Project, which ensures that free menstrual products are available to members of the Allentown community who need them.
“A strong community is one that shows up for one another and works together to make sure everyone has access to the basic necessities they need to live healthy, dignified lives,” said Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk. “Through the Allentown Health Bureau and our community partners, we’re working to make period products more accessible and ensure residents have the resources they need. First Lady Lori Shapiro’s visit highlights the importance of this work and our shared responsibility to make sure no one in our community goes without these essential products.”
Period Action Day served as the Health Bureau’s monthly event to collect donations for community members, packaging approximately 500 kits with menstrual products.
“At Boys & Girls Club of Allentown, we want our youth to feel supported, confident, and able to participate fully in school and everyday life,” said Katarah Jordan, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Allentown. “Hosting Period Action Day alongside the Office of First Lady Lori Shapiro and the Allentown Bureau of Health brought our community together to meet a basic need with dignity and care. When we make essential resources accessible and normalize conversations about menstruation, we help young people feel seen and supported.”
On her final stop at Norristown’s Eisenhower Middle School, the First Lady and Mitzvah Circle — a non-profit organization that provides ongoing assistance, referrals, coaching, and support to the surrounding community — hosted volunteers to help pack individual period kits, prepare kits for distribution, and connect with additional organizations helping their neighbors.
“On Period Action Day, Mitzvah Circle coordinated volunteers who packed thousands of pads and tampons for community members in need. We know that by providing these products free of charge, students won't miss school and parents will be able to go to work every day of the month,” said Fran Held, Founder and Executive Director, Mitzvah Circle. “Thank you to the First Lady of Pennsylvania, Lori Shapiro, for partnering with Mitzvah Circle and raising awareness about this important issue."
“We were proud to participate in Period Action Day alongside First Lady Lori Shapiro, state legislators, and our suppliers to help provide women with some of the essential products they need to support their health and well-being,” said Sid Tenneti, Senior Vice President and Interim President, Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness, CVS Health. “Through the donation of more than 16,000 period products, we’re honored to help make a meaningful difference for women and families across Pennsylvania and support efforts to address period poverty.”
Pennsylvania’s young women deserve peace of mind to focus on academic learning, attendance, and health. In 2024, Governor Shapiro secured the first-ever Commonwealth investment to provide free period products for all Pennsylvania schools. The funding is distributed to more than 750 Pennsylvania school districts, intermediate units, career and technical centers, and brick-and-mortar charter schools annually.
Across the last three state budgets, the Governor has secured a total of $9 million to continue offering free period products to students.
Governor Shapiro and the First Lady remain committed to fighting for menstrual equity and ensuring that Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth have access to no-cost menstrual products.