Early posts about Chad and Nicaragua
There is nothing quite so thrilling as having multiple projects running at once. We are already getting a huge response for the Chad Humanitarian Response Project! Pittsburgh has received many sewn components, but we are still in need of underwear donations (we have the on our amazon wish list). Our work for Nicaragua with Global Links last year has had a positive response too. So, as we work towards 21,000 kits for Chad, we are also preparing 3,000 kits for Nicaragua. I am thrilled that the Pittsburgh Chapter was able to connect the larger Days for Girls community with Global Links.
Because the Pittsburgh Chapter is located so closely to Global Links we will be taking 3,000 kits directly to them. They have requested women’s small and medium underwear in their kits. We have 1100 kits packed and they are about evenly split between the Nicaragua and Chad (requested girl’s sizes only). Because the initial request sent to all of the Days for Girls Teams and Chapters in the US was only for Chad, we are getting mostly girl’s underwear and have had to purchase women’s underwear.
Here are ways anyone can help us:
Make a monetary donation to The Pittsburgh Chapter or to Days for Girls International or purchase needed materials from amazon wish list or a JoAnn Fabric Gift Card, and arrange for a safe drop off. Wish list items can be shipped directly to Third Church. You can contact the Pittsburgh Chapter by emailing pittsburgh@daysforgirls.org too.
Like the Pittsburgh Chapter Facebook page to see updates on the projects.
Here are ways you can help if you are able to pick (and drop off) items up at Third Church:
Measure underwear (to help standardize the sizing in multiple brands) and roll it so that it can ship compactly in the kits. Underwear is ready for pick up at the church. Please take only what you think you can manage to finish and drop back off within a week.
Wash flannel with the fragrance-free dye-free detergent provided in each bag. This is an on-going part of the process so it’s ok if it takes a little longer to accomplish this task.
Because of the current restrictions we can not let extra volunteers in to pack the kits. Our Chapter’s leadership team can fill the number of people we can safely put in our room.
Here is a little shop talk for Days for Girls Teams and Chapters:
Daisies, you have been so generous! Thank you!!! We have received so many sewn components already. The Pittsburgh Chapter will take late donations and whatever is not used for Chad or Nicaragua will be stored to use for the next group project.
Our most needed sewn component is the transport bag. We know that it is new for some teams and chapters but don’t forget to go to the leadership room and carefully read the sewing instructions as well as the heat sealing instructions. Remember to test a sample of the transport bags you make to be sure they hold water (that is how we know that they are sealed properly).
You are welcome to ship underwear to us by using our amazon wish list. When you send it “as a gift” amazon lets you write a note. Please include your team or chapter name and email so that we can credit you for that donation. If you are sending us underwear you already have on hand, please use the Days for Girls panty sizing guide (found in the leadership room or in the Chapter Chat facebook group). This guide helps us to have consistent sizing no matter which brand of underwear. This is incredibly helpful for our friends who will be distributing the kits and of course for the menstruators receiving them. Using this guide is a way you can help us that the general public can not. We appreciate your efforts.
THANK YOU!!!
Period Pastor Pad 