The Help a Girl Out (HAGO) initiative is celebrating five years of community efforts to address period poverty while announcing that its 2026 collection drive has reached a milestone of 138,367 donated products.
The initiative, which began as a grassroots effort by a group of local women, has grown into a regional effort serving students and individuals across Berks and Schuylkill counties. Organizers say the goal is to ensure access to essential menstrual products so people can attend school, work and daily activities with dignity.
To mark the anniversary during Women’s History Month, HAGO released a commemorative origin story highlighting the women who helped launch the project. The interview-style program is available online through BCTV. The initiative has also launched a new website, HelpAGirlOutUSA.com, which provides updates, resources and ways for supporters to get involved.
The program has expanded its reach in recent years through partnerships with several organizations. Co-County Wellness Services coordinates outreach and distribution, while Helping Harvest provides warehousing and logistical support for the project.
Organizers said participation increased this year following a series of kickoff events across the region. In addition to the annual West Reading kickoff at Be Mine Boutique led by shop owner and HAGO USA co-founder Ali Pakradooni, the initiative held its first kickoff event in Schuylkill County and hosted a VIP kickoff at Helping Harvest’s community kitchen.
Those events helped expand the collection effort, resulting in 118 donation boxes placed throughout the region this year, compared with 60 boxes last year.
The initiative also gained additional attention this past fall when HAGO co-founder Suzanne Cody was recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the West Reading-Wyomissing Rotary for her work with the project.
As the initiative moves into its distribution phase, order forms are being distributed through the Berks and Schuylkill County intermediate units to student populations and through the United Way of Berks and Schuylkill Counties to social service organizations. Groups in need of supplies can download a form from the HAGO website or contact Co-County Wellness Services, with all requests due by March 31.
Organizers note that the products are counted individually because they are single-use items. For example, a request for one tampon refers to a single product rather than a full box.
Members of the public and press are invited to attend the initiative’s “Pick Day” on Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to noon at Helping Harvest in Sinking Spring. During the event, the full collection of 138,367 products will be displayed before volunteers prepare shipments scheduled for mid-April distribution.
Since its launch, the initiative has seen steady growth in donations from the community. Organizers report that collections have increased from approximately six boxes of items in 2022 to 19,928 items in 2023, 47,314 items in 2024, 88,889 items in 2025, and 138,367 items this year.
“This project is a gift from the community to the community,” said Suzanne Cody, part of the HAGO USA leadership team. “By ensuring access to these basic necessities, we are making sure that women, girls, and all menstruators can go to school, work, and participate in everyday activities with dignity.”
