Zonta Club of Warren would like to thank all the members of our community that have donated new and gently used bras. On Thursday the 15th of September we boxed up 677 bras and 165 misc. feminine clothing items.
All donations will go to I SUPPORT THE GIRLS NORTHWEST PENNYLVANIA. We are the local affiliate of the nationwide organization.
Dana Marlowe. Business owner, mother, human rights advocate gives us the story of how I SUPPORT THE GIRLS BEGAN.
People always ask me how I Support the Girls began. Honestly, it was totally serendipitous. I became an accidental activist in this space.
In 2015, I had a year of revised healthy mind/body focus. I dropped a considerable amount of weight by working out with friends and eating healthy fun meals with my family. I expected some life changes, but not that everything would change in size. They don’t tell you on the packages of steamed vegetables that you should prepare for your bra size to decrease.
After some loose straps getting in the way, I went to get fitted properly at a bra store. I asked the store clerk if she had any donation suggestions as to what I could do with my dozen or more used bras that didn’t fit but were still wearable.
The saleswoman said four words: “Homeless women need bras.” Lightbulb moment. I had never thought about that. On my way home, I called a contact at a local D.C. shelter who confirmed this and mentioned that women experiencing homelessness also need menstrual hygiene products. Bras and hygiene products are the most requested but least donated items.
It gave me the idea that I’m probably not the only who wedges their older bras to the back corner of their bra drawer. Right?
I wanted to make sure no woman could do without menstrual products or a bra at any point of need in her life. Dignity is dignity.
A Movement Is Born
Donations of bras and feminine products can be dropped off at, JEFFERSON DEFREES FAMILY CENTER, SENIOR HELPERS OF WARREN, PA. For more information, please contact
Jennifer Bliss, Affiliate Director, [email protected]m