PHILADELPHIA, PA — A growing coalition of female-owned businesses in Manayunk is turning Women’s History Month into a month-long effort to support women and families across Philadelphia.
Throughout March, the 5th Annual Manayunk Wingwomen donation drive is collecting essential health and postpartum supplies to help address “period poverty” and provide critical resources for women in need. The initiative brings together 28 women-led businesses along Main Street and throughout the neighborhood, making it the largest year yet for the program.
Community members are invited to drop off donations at participating businesses during the month. All supplies will be distributed through Grab-N-Flow, an organization that maintains free-to-the-community menstrual and postpartum supply sheds across Philadelphia.
This year’s program will also bring a major milestone for the initiative: a new Grab-N-Flow distribution shed scheduled to open in Manayunk this April in partnership with North Light Community Center. The new location will allow donations collected locally to directly support women and families in the surrounding neighborhood.
“Celebrating our fifth year we wanted to continue to grow our efforts and outreach and so I’m especially excited about the new supply shed being added right here in our own community,” said Manayunk Wingwomen founder and The Little Apple owner Brandy Deieso.
Grab-N-Flow founder Shelly Aragoncillo said the collaboration helps expand access to essential items that many people struggle to afford.
“We’re so grateful to be working with North Light to establish a shed for their center and community. We’re excited to grow our efforts in providing neighbors with these essential products,” Aragoncillo said.
North Light Community Center Executive Director Kimberly Arroyo said the project will help fill a major gap for families.
“North Light Community Center is proud to partner with Wingwomen to launch Grab and Flow, a program rooted in dignity, access, and community care,” Arroyo said. “While we are able to provide food to many families, essential hygiene products and diapers are often harder to secure. This initiative helps close that gap by allowing neighbors to give and receive support anonymously and without barriers.”
The donation drive launches on International Women’s Day and continues through the end of March. Everyone who contributes will receive a special “Manayunk Wingwomen” vinyl sticker as a thank-you for supporting the initiative.
Items Needed
Organizers are asking the community to donate essential items that can be expensive or difficult for many families to obtain, including:
- Pads
- Prenatal vitamins
- Numbing spray
- Postpartum underwear
- Diapers (all sizes)
- Pregnancy tests
Additional items such as witch hazel pads, stool softeners, postpartum adult diapers, and unopened baby formula are also welcomed.
Participating businesses will also collect monetary donations for Women Against Abuse, Philadelphia’s leading domestic violence advocacy organization, which provides services including a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, and legal support for survivors.
Event Details
- What: 5th Annual Manayunk Wingwomen Donation Drive
- When: Throughout March 2026 (Women’s History Month)
- Where: Participating women-owned businesses throughout Manayunk, including The Little Apple, Somo, Boostin Bowls, Cupid’s Bookshop, Vamp Boutique, The Wall Fitness Studio, North Light Community Center, and more
- Cost/Tickets: Free to participate; donations encouraged
- More Info: https://manayunk.com/media/blog/
Organizers say the growing community effort shows how local businesses can make a real impact.
By collecting essential health supplies and expanding access through the new neighborhood shed, the Manayunk Wingwomen program aims to ensure that women across Philadelphia can access basic necessities with dignity and support.
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