Hello!

This is in regard of sanitary products and the large cost they come with.
I recently went to India and had a chance to stay at Chinmaya Vijaya Orphanage, an all girls orphanage in Vijaywada, India. This orphanage takes girls in from the streets of Andhra Pradesh who may have been abandoned, had no parents, or their caretakers were too sick to take care for them due to diseases such as AIDS/TB/etc. The orphanage sends the girls to school, puts them in many activities from music to martial arts, sports to classical dance, and even sends them to college when they’re 18. When I went, the girls were truly amazing. Extremely radiant and energetic, running around outside, singing happily, and studying. When speaking to the director she began telling me of the biggest struggle they face financially, which, surprisingly to me, happened to be sanitary products. As of right now the orphanage purchases raw cotton in bulk orders, cuts the cotton into pads and then wraps the cotton in a handkerchief so the girls can use them. This process takes away from the girls time to study and play. It also is not the most hygienic way to safely care for their growing bodies.

So I would like to ask if there was any way you could help. Donating money for pads for  these girls would change and improve their lives tenfold. Giving these girls basic necessities would mean so much. I have realized that many people in the U.S. take pads for granted, as they are available and well known to us. Pads make periods infinitely more comfortable, safe, and manageable. I would like to see these girls not worried or embarrassed about their period as it’s completely normal!

thank you.
Chinmaya Vijaya Information- website! 
Info video - Info video