The Sharing Shelf Launches 2026 Period Product Drive Across Westchester

PORT CHESTER, NY - A Westchester nonprofit that provides clothing to children and teens in need has launched its 2026 period poverty awareness drive, saying demand for both clothing and period products continues to rise across the region.

The Sharing Shelf says its annual "Make a Difference - Period" campaign is now underway. The nonprofit, which serves children and teens in Westchester, collects period products for girls who receive clothing through its programs. The drive is now in its third year and runs through June.

In 2025, The Sharing Shelf served 2,094 girls ages 11 to 19. Last year's collection drive brought in 54,706 period products, up 45 percent from the 37,625 collected in 2024. Those products are provided free when girls of menstruating age request and receive clothing, and each girl receives a three-month supply, primarily pads.

"Period products are vital, as research shows that girls may skip school or use unsafe materials during their period if they don’t have sufficient products," The Sharing Shelf executive Director Deborah Blatt said. "We want all girls in Westchester to achieve their full potential in school, and that won't happen if those in need don’t have period products."

The need is expected to be higher this year. The Sharing Shelf said requests for clothing grew 25 percent from 2024 to 2025 and have grown 88 percent in three years. In 2026, the group estimates that 138,000 pads will be needed to help meet annual requests received by the program. The nonprofit said it will also purchase products to address overall demand. Last year, The Sharing Shelf distributed more than 125,000 period products in total.

The public is being asked to donate unopened boxes of new period products, preferably pads, at pink collection boxes placed at more than 50 sites across Westchester County. The announcement said that is up from 35 sites last year. The list of locations includes churches, synagogues, libraries, schools, gyms, pharmacies, and other sites.

The organization also cites broader data on menstrual health needs. UN Women states, "Period poverty refers to the inability to afford and access menstrual products, sanitation and hygiene facilities and education and awareness to manage menstrual health. Menstrual products are prohibitively expensive for millions of people worldwide."

In 2025, The Sharing Shelf fulfilled requests from 145 nonprofits, schools, and government agencies, fielding clothing requests for 9,134 children and teens. According to the announcement, those children and teens live in every community in Westchester.

Information about donations can be found here.