The Red Basket Project strives to create equity by providing period products to those in need so that they may manage their periods safely and with dignity.

Upcoming Events

Great Give Day
📅 Wednesday, May 21

Great Give Day is the largest 24-hour giving event in Northeast Iowa! Anytime on Wednesday, May 21, go to greatgiveday.org to support 200 nonprofits across Dubuque, Delaware, Clayton, Jackson, Jones, Allamakee and Clinton Counties in Iowa. Give all day on Wednesday, May 21 at greatgiveday.org.

Will you be one of 300?

Honor someone who has left a lasting impact on your life or give in memory of a departed loved one and know your contribution will make a tangible impact.

Our goal is to connect with 300 compassionate individuals willing to give:

An ongoing monthly donation of $25
Or an annual contribution of $300

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Addressing Period Poverty

About Us

We are currently distributing more than 1,900 period packs each month into the Dubuque and surrounding communities through our distribution partners. As a 100% volunteer organization, every penny donated goes directly to meeting the need.

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"No One Ever Asks"

Because no one ever asks, we assume there is no need. This is absolutely not the case. What we have found in our work is that the need is in fact tremendous.

We make period products, including complete period packs sufficient for an entire menstrual cycle, readily available in accessible locations.

About Us

A Basic Human Need

At The Red Basket Project we believe that access to period products is a basic human need. Having your period should not be a barrier to attending school, work or participating in any part of life.

The Red Basket Project places period supplies in accessible, supportive places where those who are living on the margins, living in poverty or homeless gather.

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A Matter of Dignity

For those who are homeless or those with insufficient financial resources, their period can be the most dreaded time of the month.

Having minimal or no access to period products, one is forced to improvise or worse, go without.

This is unacceptable and our goal is to make a permanent change in our community.

FAQs

Lindsay James

"Addressing period poverty is not just a matter of dignity but one of equity and empowerment. The Red Basket project's initiative of providing period products to agencies across our community, means that some who menstruate might not need to miss school because they cannot afford costly menstrual products. It means a family might be able to put more food on the table because the cost of necessary period products has been removed. I cannot be more proud of the women behind the Red Basket and the work they do."

Rep. Lindsay James

Iowa House District 71

Cindy Steinhauser

“In today's world, access to feminine hygiene products should NOT be a barrier to a woman's health or education. I support the Red Basket Project of Dubuque for helping to bring this issue to light. When I think about the youth of today and how they will be the leaders of tomorrow, I wonder what they will think of us - the ones who through our actions, have taught them how to lead? Have we taught them to lead with compassion? Hats off to The Red Basket Project for teaching us how to lead.”

Assistant City Manager

2017

Beth Gilbreath

"Providing something as basic and essential as period products is an act of love and shows respect for all those who menstruate. Once we became aware of the dire situation in our community and the great need for period products, it was impossible to look away. We should be able to manage our periods hygienically and without stigma regardless of personal or financial circumstances. It is a matter of health and a matter of dignity."

President/Founder