YellowDog, a design, print and marketing studio in Denver’s Clayton neighborhood, completed their first-ever period product drive, collecting more than 3,500 donations.
The 2023 State of the Period report found that nearly one quarter of teens and one third of adults struggle to afford period products, resulting in missed school days, lost wages, stress and embarrassment that no one should have to experience. YellowDog Office Manager Sara Lou Klein saw this need and felt driven to help. She had previously worked with the organization Period Kits and felt strongly about equipping people who menstruate with these basic necessities. Community is one of YellowDog's core values, and owners Jenny and Dan Mulligan threw their full support behind the initiative.
YellowDog promoted the drive via community calendars, their website, email and social media. A reporter from CBS Colorado discovered the drive on YellowDog’s website and filmed a story at their office. The community also helped YellowDog spread the word, including Good Business Colorado who promoted the drive to members and event attendees.
YellowDog collected items at their office. Donations came from customers, partners, employees, neighbors and friends. They saw such a strong response that they also set up an outside drop box to receive donations outside of business hours.
Amplifying this local impact, Colorado nonprofit Justice Necessary matched 3,500 pads and tampons, bringing 7,000 individual period products directly to the community. That equals a one-month supply of menstrual hygiene products for more than 200 individuals.
By the numbers:
- 1,230 pads
- 2,009 tampons
- 294 wipes
- 11 cosmetic bags
Donations will be distributed through YellowDog’s neighbors at Clayton Cares Market, which “provides children and families in need with a no-cost shopping experience and the simple dignity of choosing the high-quality groceries that best fit their individual needs and cultural preferences.”
See the full story of the drive on CBS Colorado, and read more about YellowDog’s community impact at https://yellowdogdenver.com/yellowdog-supports-nonprofits/.
Content contributed by Katie O’Dell, marketing manager at YellowDog.
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