San Jose Teen Collects Thousands of Period Products for Homeless

Miri Ahuja's Period Positive Drive donated 4,278 pads, liners, and other menstrual items to local shelter HomeFirst.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:39pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a single menstrual pad or tampon in neon shades of pink, purple, and blue, conceptually representing the importance of access to period products.A vibrant, pop art-inspired illustration celebrates the success of a local teen's drive to collect thousands of menstrual products for the homeless.San Jose Today

Miri Ahuja, a 14-year-old freshman at Evergreen Valley High School in San Jose, California, organized a successful drive to collect 4,278 period products to donate to HomeFirst, a local organization serving people experiencing homelessness in Santa Clara County. Miri's goal was not just to provide the necessary supplies, but to start conversations and raise awareness about menstrual health and access.

Why it matters

Menstrual products are among the most requested but least donated items at homeless shelters nationwide. Miri's initiative aims to address this critical need and destigmatize conversations around menstruation, which can be especially difficult for those experiencing homelessness.

The details

Miri's Period Positive Drive featured a wide range of period products, including pads, panty liners, overnight wear, hygiene wipes, and protective underwear from brands like Always, Kotex, Tampax, and Rael Organic. The March 2026 drive collected 2,622 pads (61.3%), 1,240 panty liners (29%), and 203 other specialized items.

  • Miri Ahuja organized the Period Positive Drive in March 2026.

The players

Miri Ahuja

A 14-year-old freshman at Evergreen Valley High School in San Jose, California, who organized the Period Positive Drive to collect period products for the homeless.

HomeFirst

A local organization in Santa Clara County, California, that serves people experiencing homelessness and received the 4,278 period products donated through Miri's drive.

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What’s next

Miri plans to continue her Period Positive Drive annually to ensure a steady supply of menstrual products for those in need in her community.

The takeaway

Miri's initiative highlights the critical need for menstrual product donations at homeless shelters and the importance of destigmatizing conversations around menstrual health. Her drive has inspired others to get involved and raised awareness about an often overlooked issue affecting the homeless population.