how to run a product drive
01
Identify a local organization that could benefit from the drive
Start by finding a local organization that’s already in the “helping” business, and has a distribution structure in place— shelters, pantries, and after-school programs serving low-income youth are a great place to start your research.
02
Communicate with your chosen organization
Once you’ve got an organization to approach, get to know their operation. Ask if they currently conduct donation drives, and what kinds of products they typically receive. Once you’ve offered to facilitate a RacketDrive for them, ask what kind of menstrual hygiene products their population might prefer.
03
Plan the details of the drive
Here’s where the details get ironed out. The critical elements to plan are:
- When will the drive take place?
- What supplies are you asking for?
- How will you announce to the community that the drive is taking place?
04
Get the word out to your network
Let your friends, families, colleagues, & classmates know what you are doing and ask for their participation. Send emails, post flyers, and spread the word on social media.
05
Host an assembly event
Invite your community to come together and participate in a hands-on volunteer experience. The diagram below details how RACKET assembles menstrual hygiene product kits.
Use our model, or make your own. Coordinate delivery with your recipient organization, and ask your friends to help with transportation.
06
Make some noise!
At the start of the drive, ask participants if they are okay with posting pictures of the event on social media, and if they are, please go for it! Be sure to tag RACKET in the photos with @we_racket (there’s an underscore between the words), and hashtag your images with #weracket #racketdrive #menstruationmatters and #periodswithoutshame. These tags are a way to promote unity for the movement and help remove shame from the conversation about periods.
Want a printable how-to packet?
Partner Wish List
Taking care of your period involves choosing what’s best for your body. Choice is an essential part of agency; RACKET believes that when it comes to menstrual hygiene products, each menstruator’s preference should be heard, honored, and respected. Ask your partner organization which of the following commonly used products would best serve the needs of their menstruators.
Each drive is unique, but based on our experience, gathering around 2000 products should yield 100-125 completed kits. It is important to ensure that you have enough plastic bags, treats, and Racket Cards for the number of kits you intend to produce.
Tampons
Light
Regular
Super / Superplus
Non-applicator
Pads
Ultra thin regular
Ultra thin super
Overnights
Pantiliners
Misc
Unscented Cleansing Wipes
Menstural Cups
Print page 4 from the PDF below if you want to share this with your partners.
Pre-Event Supplies Checklist
Before the actual RacketDrive event (and before your volunteers show up), you’ll want to make sure that you have everything you need.
Gallon plastic zip bags (if packing pads)
Sandwich plastic zip bags (if packing tampons)
Wrapped chocolate treats (a period essential)
Your collected supplies (tampons, pads, etc.)
Racket Cards (print and cut)
Note: All menstrual hygeine products must be individually wrapped
How to assemble a Racket Kit
Use the diagram below as a guide, or feel free to improvise. (Quantities listed are estimates. Numbers may vary based on the size and shape of products.)
