Portsmouth, Virginia

Every girl deserves
dignity.

We are a student-led chapter raising funds and collecting donations to provide hygiene products to girls in disadvantaged communities in Kenya. Period poverty is a crisis that should not exist.

Portsmouth Chapter founded by Darlena Mitchell

Hearts4Hygiene founded by Jennifer Kimuyu

Period poverty in Kenya
65%
of women and girls lack access to menstrual products
School days missed
1M+
girls miss school every month due to lack of products
The issue
Period poverty is a crisis.

In Kenya, the lack of menstrual products isn't just an inconvenience. It changes the entire course of a girl's life. Here's what's really happening.

4 days
Many girls are forced to miss up to 4 days of school every month because they have no hygiene products or access to washrooms. Over a year, that's weeks of lost education.
Unsafe alternatives
Girls in slum communities are often forced to use rags, leaves, or torn mattress stuffing instead of pads. This leads to UTIs, reproductive infections, and long-term health consequences.
High-risk situations
When products cost too much, some girls are driven into transactional and exploitative situations just to afford basic hygiene. This is a safety crisis, not just a health one.
"Menstrual hygiene is more than pads! It's health, dignity, and rights! When girls can manage their periods safely and confidently, they stay in school, thrive, and own their future." - Global South Coalition for Dignified Menstruation
Get involved
Upcoming events & drives
July 20 - Aug 3
Hygiene Product Drive
3 locations across Hampton Roads
Tap to see drop off locations ↓
Date TBD
Bake Sale Fundraiser
Location TBD, Portsmouth
Date TBD
Virginia Beach Pop-Up
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Please note: We are unable to accept tampon donations at this time. We gratefully accept pads, panty liners, and other hygiene essentials. Thank you for understanding!
What we do
How we make a difference

We are a group of high school students in Portsmouth, Virginia who believe that where you're born shouldn't determine whether you have access to basic hygiene. So we're doing something about it.

Collect & fundraise
We run donation drives and fundraising events across Portsmouth to gather hygiene products and funds.
Send to Kenya
Everything collected goes directly to girls in disadvantaged communities in Kenya through Hearts4Hygiene's network.
Raise awareness
We speak up about period poverty so that more people understand why this work matters and join the cause.
Who we are
Meet the team

Seven high school students from Portsmouth, Virginia. United by one mission.

Darlena Mitchell
Darlena Mitchell
Chapter Leader
Kamryn Brice
Kamryn Brice
Co-Lead
Gabrielle Howard
Gabrielle Howard
Secretary
Sofia Torres
Sofia Torres
Communications
Erin Huff
Erin Huff
Alternate Officer
Eden Castel
Eden Castel
Treasurer
Iva Thomas
Iva Thomas
Digital Marketer
Join us
Think you'd be a good fit?

While we are selective with our members, every hand helps. If you'd like to contribute beyond a donation, whether it's showing up at drives, spreading the word online, or helping with fundraising, our inbox is open. We have spots available for officers, or people looking to give support in areas that may be lacking it.

Drive logistics
Help us collect and sort donated hygiene products at our drives across Portsmouth.
Fundraising events
Help plan and run our bake sales, pop-ups, and other fundraising activities.
Social media & outreach
Help us spread the word about period poverty and grow our Portsmouth community online.
Photography
Capture our events and drives so we can share our impact with the world.
Go deeper
Learn more

Want to understand the issue better? Here are some resources we recommend.

The Menstrual Gap Period Poverty | Diana Nelson | TEDxIntl School Of Uganda UNFPA Kenya: Menstrual Hygiene Day @Hearts4Hygiene
🌱
This is just the beginning.

This chapter is still just the seed of what we hope will grow into something beautiful. That said, we need your support! Follow our socials, like, repost, and share. Every bit of visibility matters. Can't make a donation? Encourage someone who can to chip in!

We are open to ideas, so please feel free to reach out with pop-up opportunities, as well as any stories or data surrounding menstrual hygiene and its importance. Every voice, every share, and every conversation brings us closer to the world these girls deserve.

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