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DELAWARE — Volunteers spend time packing pads and other basic necessities to be distributed throughout Delaware, where advocates say many women and girls struggle to afford essential period supplies.
For Lisa Sumstine, founder of the Delaware Dignity Project, the effort is about more than providing a box of products. It is about helping people meet basic needs when money is tight.
"When you're in a position where you have to choose between maxi pads and diapers or maxi pads and toilet paper or maxi pads and food, any number of things, it is concerning and maxi pads usually go to the back of the line," Sumstine said.
The Delaware Dignity Project distributes period products and other necessities to families, schools and students, people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, and anyone else who needs them.
The nonprofit currently works with 52 partners across the state, from North Wilmington to Ocean View, Sumstine said.
"After this distribution, we will have given out over 148,000 pieces of product just in the first six months of 2026," she said.
One of those partners is Pathways to Success, which distributes supplies to girls at multiple high schools in the area.
Sarah Gilmour with Pathways to Success said having access to basic supplies can make a difference during an already challenging time for teenagers.
"It is a hard time as high school girl, and we serve girls nine through 12th grade," Gilmour said. "So, when you think about when you're that first year in high school, that transition from middle school to high school and all of the stress that that you're feeling because you're a high schooler now, and you may not have those things that you need, and it helps with their self-confidence even as a senior."
Volunteers say the need goes beyond simply handing out products.
Teresa Harris was volunteering at the distribution, helping sort supplies and teach girls and families how to use and advocate for the resources available to them.
"I was amazed at how many girls did not know what bra size they were, so just teaching them the proper way to put it on; the proper way to take it off," Harris said. "Also letting them know, hey, this is the correct bra size that you need and, hey, you need a bra this moment and teaching families how to advocate, reach out and ask for resources."
Even young volunteers are finding meaning in the effort.
Ten-year-old Leighton Gillespy helped sort the supplies and said she enjoys knowing the products will go to girls who need them.
"It feels amazing to help the girls who don't have that much stuff and who can't afford it," Gillespy said.
For the Delaware Dignity Project, each donation represents more than a box of supplies. The organization says access to basic necessities can help people feel more confident as they face other challenges in their lives.
Sumstine said the goal is ultimately to restore dignity to people who may be forced to choose between essential needs.
"It's really just about restoring dignity to these women that are in need," Sumstine said. "If we can provide their most basic needs, then they can walk into a situation feeling better with a clean pair of socks or a clean pair of underwear or whatever, and then push forward into the next hurdle."
