Let me start out by saying I am so lucky I've been blessed during my lifetime... I've never really had to hurt for any necessity and I've always had a nice roof over my head. While I've always had enough, even more than enough at times, I've been around a few people that have longed for necessities. While I know I can't help every single needy person all by myself, I try to do my best to help those connected to me in some way and so does my family. While I have a handful of stories I could share about helping those in need, I'm not going to do that today... this post isn't about bragging, I'm sharing this to bring light to a subject that's tough to talk about.
I can remember one time when I was in high school, a friend of my mother's stopped by and cried on our couch after losing her job. She was in a bad spot in her life and it was really no fault of her own. She couldn't afford her rent, she was scraping pennies together to buy food, she had a car but it was running on fumes, and embarrassingly, it was "that time of the month" and she had no feminine products and no money to go buy any. I didn't know her too incredibly well, she worked with my mom in the past and I had only met her a few times, but I did know she definitely wasn't the type to beg. She honestly needed help, she came over just to talk and then out of desperation she spilled her soul. Luckily, she felt comfortable enough to share her entire story with us and we were able to lend her a helping hand.

The thing is, we weren't necessarily well off at that point in my life... Don't get me wrong, we had more than enough though and that's why my mom, being the caring individual she is, handed her some money and some feminine products. The gesture was small, in comparison to the grand scheme of things, but it meant a lot to her friend and while I'm not sure where she ended up in life, I still think about that day on occasion. All of us sitting there in my living room, tears streaming down her face, my mom and I wanting to do everything we could to help her. It was right then the reality of being an adult set in, in some ways. I had always known life wasn't rainbows and butterflies, but seeing someone need something that I'd always taken for granted, someone that I knew directly, that made me realize that I could and should do more with my life. I was born blessed, I should help others feel blessed whenever the opportunity presents itself. It's a lesson I'll never forget and one that my mom may not even remember teaching me... but it was life changing.

That's why I want to share more about the "Power to the Period drive"! While this movement wasn't around back when my mom's friend was in need, it is now and it's something every woman should know about. Power to the Period is the first-ever national period product drive and the second installment of U by Kotex's Period Projects - a unique and inspiring series of projects, each inspired and led by real women who share the brand's passion for creating change.

While my mom's friend was just one woman in our community, it's obvious when I reflect back on that day that she was likely one of many that needed help being able to afford necessities like feminine products. To be exact, there are 3.5 million Americans who experience homelessness each year, these people have limited access to and few places to turn for basic human needs like toiletries.

U by Kotex is doing something to change that, inspired by a tweet sent by Holly Sanchez, they have partnered with DoSomething.org to encourage people to buy and donate an extra pack of period products to homeless shelters. This simple act of kindness is one that could change a woman's life, I've witnessed it myself. Together, as women, we can change the way we think about, talk about, and act towards the needs of homeless and needy people in our communities. The best part is, it's actually an easy task - just buy an extra pack of pads or tampons on each trip you make to the store, then make a monthly donation to a local shelter. You could change someone's life by spending a few extra dollars each time you make a Target run or a stop at Walmart... it's that easy. If you have the time maybe you could even start a Power to the Period donation drive in your area from now through September 30 and donate everything you collect to a shelter in need! Visit UbyKotex.com, DoSomething.org/Period or text PERIOD to 38383 to learn more about how you can get involved.
Tell me, have you ever helped someone truly in need of something simple like toiletries or food? While it's a small act for you, it means a lot to those in need... I'd love to hear all about your experience in the comments below.