With budgets tighter than ever, many families have limited funding available for feminine hygiene products. HamCo Love, a nonprofit organization founded in 2021, helps women and their families by providing a variety of period products, including pads, tampons, and panty liners, throughout Hamilton County. Jennifer Harmon, a teacher and librarian, was scrolling social media when she learned about similar organizations in other areas.
“In doing some research, I learned there are other organizations in every single doughnut county but nothing in Hamilton County,” Harmon says. “I think sometimes people forget that there are, in fact, people in need in this county. I think the assumption is that we’re good, which is far from being true.”
HamCo Love’s impact is felt across 45 schools in Fishers, Noblesville, Carmel, Westfield, Sheridan, Arcadia and Cicero. Since its inception, the nonprofit has gathered over 200,000 items, making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. Beyond schools, HamCo Love collaborates with 75 diverse organizations, including trustee offices, food pantries and churches, amplifying its reach and impact.
“This is our third summer working with the Fishers Youth Assistance Program to support their summer meals program,” Harmon says. “We provide ‘period packs’ with a month’s supply of pads or tampons to any woman, girl or family member who needs it. Last summer we gave out about 600 packs to local residents.”
The HamCo Love team understands the sensitivity around asking for feminine hygiene products, which is why they’ve established menstruation stations at Fishers and Hamilton Southeastern High Schools, as well as Westfield Washington Public Library. These stations offer a discreet and respectful way for students to access what they need. From basic supplies like pads, tampons and liners to more comprehensive options like underwear, leggings and deodorant, these stations cater to diverse needs with dignity.
“We also help direct women and families to the appropriate resources in their local areas,” Harmon says. “I think talking about the subject is sometimes uncomfortable, but it’s needed. We want people to realize this isn’t just a women’s issue, but a family issue. By providing these products, we can free up a little bit of money families need for other necessities like food. We’ve had numerous women and families express their gratitude for our services, sharing how it has relieved their financial burden and allowed them to focus on other essential needs.”
Harmon emphasizes that HamCo Love is a community effort, accepting monetary donations through PayPal and product donations. The organization is always on the lookout for volunteers to help distribute its products throughout Hamilton County. It also maintains wish lists with Amazon, Target and Walmart, making it easy for anyone to contribute to this vital cause.
