In response to the overwhelming challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Shelley Aragoncillo took it upon herself to create a unique resource for her community in South Philadelphia.
After giving birth in March 2020, coinciding with the onset of the pandemic and subsequent lockdown, Aragoncillo found herself with an excess of postpartum recovery supplies.
Noticing a community need for menstrual products—especially as many faced financial hardships during this period—she decided to transform her surplus into a solution.
Aragoncillo established a community shed where neighbors could access postpartum products, pads, tampons, and other menstrual supplies, inviting residents to donate as well.
The response from the community surpassed her expectations, sparking a conversation around menstrual equity and postpartum care.
The initial location at South Franklin and Tasker streets has since become the flagship for Grab n’ Flow, which has expanded to include two more sites: the Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library and Walnut Street West Library.
With ongoing fundraising efforts, Aragoncillo hopes to further broaden the initiative’s reach by encouraging community members to host their own sheds.
“By using personal funds initially, I envisioned a simple access point for those in need,” she shared.
Through partnerships with The Free Library of Philadelphia, support from the city, and assistance from Penn Medicine, Grab n’ Flow continues to thrive.
The flagship shed sees a steady stream of visitors daily, relying heavily on community donations to keep its shelves stocked.
Aragoncillo noted, “Pads fly off the shelves—the demand is evident.”
The need for these products is exacerbated by the high costs associated with menstrual supplies, leading many to struggle to afford basic necessities.
While Pennsylvania was among the first states to exempt menstrual products from sales tax in 1991, the reality remains that many individuals still find these essential goods financially burdensome.
Currently, 18 states continue to tax period products, despite advocates campaigning for their recognition as essential needs.
It’s reported that one in four students and one in three menstruating adults in the United States face challenges in affording these items.
Aragoncillo emphasized the importance of Grab n’ Flow’s mission, stating that it serves as an emergency resource where individuals can anonymously acquire what they need without questions asked.
In addition to menstrual products, Grab n’ Flow also collaborates with local clinics to provide nursing pumps for undocumented and uninsured individuals—a much-needed resource that is quickly utilized.
The organization has recently seen a growing demand for other items as well, including baby formula and diapers—products that have remained costly despite recent shortages in the market.
For those in need of baby formula, Aragoncillo advises reaching out through their website due to the necessity of temperature control for such items.
Community support has been a keystone of the initiative, particularly highlighted by the involvement of a group of women business owners in Manayunk named ‘The Manayunk Wing Women’.
Brandy Deieso, the owner of The Little Apple Gift Boutique, was inspired to take action after witnessing a news segment on Grab n’ Flow four years ago, leading her to rally support among other local businesses.
In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, the group has organized annual donation drives that have progressively increased in participation.
During their fourth annual drive this past March, they successfully gathered 45 boxes of supplies and over $600 in cash donations for Women Against Abuse.
“Initially, I worried about whether people would feel comfortable donating such items,” Deieso recalled.
However, she noted that the stigma surrounding the topic has diminished significantly, empowering individuals to openly discuss and contribute to the cause.
With a special sticker representing a maxi pad with wings given to customers who donate, the initiative has become not just a resource, but a community movement.
Aragoncillo mentioned acquiring a storage unit, necessitated by the large volume of donations collected through Deieso’s network.
She expressed hopes for greater community involvement, encouraging people to support through donations or by filling out contact forms available on their website.
“This endeavor has been rooted in a mutual aid model for the past four to five years,” Aragoncillo stated.
As she transitions to focusing on this mission full-time, she emphasizes that all contributions go directly toward expanding access points for individuals in need.
With the burgeoning discussions surrounding menstrual equity growing louder, initiatives like Grab n’ Flow stand at the forefront of addressing urgent community needs.
Through sustaining support and ongoing outreach, Aragoncillo aims for her initiative to continue providing accessible resources and advocating for those who may otherwise struggle in silence.
image source from：whyy
