Good use of donated fabrics

[Ltoppins]

Our church makes feminine hygiene kits for women in the Gwembe Valley in Zambia. We send our missionaries and doctors to a medical clinic about every 3-4 months. You cannot imagine the excitement of the women as they line up to receive a drawstring bag with underwear, washcloths, a bar of soap and reuseable sanitary pads.

We make the pads from 100% cotton, flannel and quilt batting strips that are sewn and serged together. Each kit has 8 pads. We also make waterproof liners that hold the pads. Each kit has 2 liners. There are 2 gallon-size ziplock bags in each kit. One will hold the soiled pads, the other holds the clean ones. The pads and liners typically last 3 years.

In many developing countries, young girls are not permitted to attend school during their menstrual cycle if they do not have sanitary products. There is no way to dispose of paper products in most countries such as Haiti, Africa etc. So, sending paper products is not an option. These kits allow girls and women the have dignity and freedom in their daily activities.

You might wonder why I am posting this info. Well, a very dear member of the forum mailed me a large box of flannel and cotton pieces. We are able to continue this wonderful project with donations like this! Each bag costs about $10 to make. We packed 160 kits today. That adds up to $1600! So, you can see how important each donation is. Thank you, gramofeight for your generous donation!

[dwil23]

Bless you both!

[DeniseSm]

What a wonderful cause.

[Granny Fran]

What a great endeavor.

[Debbie MM]

Can you use more fabric ?

[bubba]

I also belong to a group who makes these. We do just the pads and liners, another group does the bags (I'd rather be in that group!!)

I'm not certain how many were made since by friend and I joined last year, but I know I did a couple hundred myself.

[Ltoppins]

Debbie, we can always use more fabric!! 100% cotton (woven or flannel) would be great. We also use the PUL waterproof fabric but hardly anyone has that to donate.

Let me know what you have to donate!

[Ltoppins]

Pat, I’m so glad to hear of others making these! It’s such a great cause!

[ktdid]

Are there any specifics on flannel fabrics, prints, solids, etc. I was at fabric.com and there were lots of named brand for as low as $4.00 a yd. I'd be happy to purchase several yds. and donate. Would it matter if it was slightly ugly prints ???

[bubba]

Are there any specifics on flannel fabrics, prints, solids, etc. I was at fabric.com and there were lots of named brand for as low as $4.00 a yd. I'd be happy to purchase several yds. and donate. Would it matter if it was slightly ugly prints ???

The group I am with does not allow words, animals, etc. Patterns and solid colors are good.