BROOKINGS The Mission of the Month at the Mission Coffeehouse at First Lutheran Church for August is Days for Girls.
Days for Girls is an international organization that advances menstrual health, equity, dignity and opportunity for all. It is estimated 500 million girls dont have menstrual supplies and have to miss school and/or work during their period.
In some countries, the girl has to go to a shed during her menstrual period. The organization sews washable components for menstrual care (drawstring bags, carry bags, waterproof shields and flannel liners). It also purchases underwear, washcloths and small bars of soap.
Each bag also includes directions on how to use the kit.
The kits cost approximately $10 for supplies.
The Madison team is in its fifth year. It has provided more than 2,800 kits to the following countries: Chad, Ukraine, Nicaragua, Panama, Suriname, Haiti, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Cuba, Cameroon and the National Distribution Center.
The local organization has a base of around 20 volunteers and it continues to get new ones.
On Tuesday afternoons there are often 10 to 12 people sewing, cutting and assembling the components of the bag.
There is also have a group every Thursday evening. A sewist familiar with the Days for Girls patterns will take 2 1/2 to 4 hours to sew the components for one kit. The organization annually has to purchase fabric, thread, underwear, repair machines, new machines (due to high usage) and other items.
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