On Saturday, September 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta will host the third event of sewing and assembling needed items for Days for Girls, a non-profit international service organization with an active branch in Unadilla. (UUSO is located at 12 Ford Ave., Oneonta)

Days for Girls increases access to menstrual care and education by developing global partnerships, cultivating social enterprises, mobilizing volunteers, and innovating sustainable solutions that shatter stigmas and limitations for women and girls. Volunteers prepare reusable feminine hygiene kits for girls in Africa who can’t afford or don’t have access to feminine hygiene products. Volunteers of all ages are needed, and sewing ability is not required. Light snacks will be provided. Childcare also provided – if needed, please contact Dawn Kilts, dawn.kilts@gmail.com)

A United Nations report estimates that ten percent of girls in Sub-Saharan Africa are absent from school during their menstrual cycle. This can equal as much as 20% of the school year. Many of these girls leave school altogether because of the embarrassment and prolonged absences causing failure. The feminine hygiene kits prepared by Days for Girls provide washable products that can be reused, and allow girls to attend school with no problems. The kits are packaged in attractive pouches that are portable and easily carried in school bags. In addition to preparing the menstrual kits, Days for Girls team members travel to various sites in Africa to provide education to girls and women about feminine hygiene. They also bring sewing machines and supplies to women there and teach them to make their own kits.

Donations are needed on an ongoing basis. Supplies needed include: 100% quilting cotton, 100% cotton flannel, dark color, without any commercial, patriotic, team symbols or cartoons; grosgrain ribbon; girls’ plain underpants, dark-colored, sizes 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16; thread; scissors and straight pins. Monetary donations are always welcome. Days for Girls is also collecting shoes, all sizes, all styles. Gently worn, used, and new shoes are all accepted. Used shoes should be in good condition. Sneakers are needed the most. Donations can be sent to Days for Girls, International, 18 Ontio Terrace, Unadilla, NY 13849, or brought to the UUSO on 9/14. To arrange pickup of donations, contact Dawn Kilts, dawn.kilts@gmail.com.

For further information about the organization, Days for Girls, see the event facebook page.

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