As a college freshman I participated in a pivotal Manhattan Midnight Run to help the homeless. It was then I met “Margaret.” She asked me to guard her marred cardboard home while joining a line to get food and a blanket. Her sole belongings: an old photo of her daughter, candy wrappers, used sanitary napkins and other unmentionables she used for her flow. I vowed to do something about this. Menstruation is part of life. It’s rarely discussed yet a real health issue. It was imperative I made this my business. My Grandma Julia used to say, “Kendelle, do not seek out the helpers, but simply be one.”
I organized Pad-emonium Drive, named for collecting so many pads it would be “pandemonium.” I assembled a small team, used a church parking lot, and spread the word. Thanks to word of mouth, a modest FB page, a local radio station, and Faith, our first drive was successful. I coined our motto, “Delivering Dignity,” with a goal to deliver dignity to women in need. People dropped off feminine hygiene products we collected and distributed. Awareness is key. This is a worldwide issue for women ages 9-50. 5 years later, we extended our efforts to assist those who ask and are in need.
My Poppy Sal, a WW2 Veteran, died at home hospice prior to my cause. He would be happy I found a way to contribute to others. He always found good in people, taught me never to judge anyone - we all have a different journey with various experiences. I believe we all need to step up and act when we see problems. Our efforts have planted seeds. People are contributing feminine hygiene products to shelters and other states. Pad-emonium is blessed to meet many wonderful people-givers and receivers. Poppy embodied morals, values, and the American spirit. He taught me kindness, commitment, self-reliance, to find the good in others, explore solutions and face challenges. He will always be my favorite wonderful American.
I organized Pad-emonium Drive, named for collecting so many pads it would be “pandemonium.” I assembled a small team, used a church parking lot, and spread the word. Thanks to word of mouth, a modest FB page, a local radio station, and Faith, our first drive was successful. I coined our motto, “Delivering Dignity,” with a goal to deliver dignity to women in need. People dropped off feminine hygiene products we collected and distributed. Awareness is key. This is a worldwide issue for women ages 9-50. 5 years later, we extended our efforts to assist those who ask and are in need.
My Poppy Sal, a WW2 Veteran, died at home hospice prior to my cause. He would be happy I found a way to contribute to others. He always found good in people, taught me never to judge anyone - we all have a different journey with various experiences. I believe we all need to step up and act when we see problems. Our efforts have planted seeds. People are contributing feminine hygiene products to shelters and other states. Pad-emonium is blessed to meet many wonderful people-givers and receivers. Poppy embodied morals, values, and the American spirit. He taught me kindness, commitment, self-reliance, to find the good in others, explore solutions and face challenges. He will always be my favorite wonderful American.