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1) Drawstring Backpacks

Choose high-quality quilting cotton or lightweight canvas for the backpack, avoiding heavy fabrics like decorator fabrics or denim for easier folding and shipping.*

DOs:

- Soccer-related fabrics are popular.
- Novelty prints, tie-dye, superheroes, neons, and bright colors are favored.
- Solid colors and traditional florals are less preferred, as are dark colors.
- Opt for prints that won't show dirt easily, avoiding predominantly pastel or light-colored/white prints.

DON'Ts:

- No camouflage fabric, as it's exclusively used by the military in Ghana.
- Avoid religious and holiday-themed prints (Easter Bunnies, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Santa).
- Exclude fabrics depicting drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or weapons.

2) Reusable Menstrual Pads

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• Each kit we make includes 2 medium and 2 heavy pads.

• Pads must have 1 or 2 layers of Zorb, a bottom layer of PUL, and Kam Snaps closures.

• Choose dark, colorful, patterned, or busy fabrics for your topper to help hide stains.

• Use any template shape in sizes between 8.5" and 10.5" in length are accepted.

• When shipping your completed pads, please label them by absorbency and length for easier sorting.

• We offer resources for pad construction, including a video tutorial for first-time makers. Contact us for assistance or to order discount supplies.

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KAM SNAPS:

• Each pad must have 2 size 20 Kam Snaps applied on the wing. Refer to our video tutorial for assistance.

• If applying your own snaps, test each snap multiple times to ensure security, functionality, and that satisfying snap sound.

• We are happy to apply snaps for you if you have a physical limitation that makes it difficult for you to apply them. 

• Interested in purchasing Kam Snap supplies? We recommend buying directly from Kam Snaps, a family-owned small business. They offer a great starter set with pliers and snaps! Check that kit out here, or browse the rest of their site!

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3) Wet Bags

• Wet bags serve two main functions: holding soiled pads while girls are at school and serving as a vessel for cleaning pads at home.

• Wet bags must be waterproof. We have one approved pattern for these bags, which has proven effective.

• Watch our video tutorial on properly sealing these bags. For any questions, email Martha for assistance.

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4) Sewn Soap Sack

• The Sewn Soap Sack made from a washcloth is tailored for The Menstrual Hygiene Kit

• Resembling a washcloth, it offers familiarity the for girls while featuring a twill loop for convenient hanging and drying of soap.

• Please ensure accurate measurements and avoid using white or light colors as these will be used during menstrual cycles and get stained with blood.

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5) Crochet & Knit Bandages- 

• We're crafting cotton bandages for rural clinics/hospitals in Western Ghana.

• Only 5 approved yarns and one specific pattern are permitted for this project.

• Participants must be experienced crocheters or knitters capable of checking gauge.

• While the pattern is simple, consistency and gauge are crucial.

• Start with 2 skeins of yarn for your first 2 bandages that will be quality checked by our medical advisor before ordering more yarn.

• Find all necessary information on this information sheet.

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7) Receiving Blankets for the NICU- We're creating swaddling/receiving blankets for the NICU at Half Assini Government Hospital in Half Assini, Ghana.

• Blankets should measure between 36x36 and 40x40 inches square.

• All blankets, regardless of style, must have finished hems. Narrow rolled serger hems are recommended for single-layer blankets if you have a serger.

• Accepted fabric options include:

  • Single layer flannel

  • 2-layer quilting cotton

  • Single or double layer jersey

  • Single or double layer double gauze

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UNDERWEAR:

• Each kit includes 2 pairs of underwear in girls' sizes 12/14. We make a small amount of kits with size 10/12 and size 14/16. 

• Additional pairs in size 8 and women's size 5 are provided to schools for girls who may need sizes outside of what we offer. 

• Consider purchasing from our Amazon Wish List or taking advantage of BOGO sales at Fruit of the Loom, Black Friday deals or check local retailers like Target/Walmart for clearance items.

• We always need underwear for our kits in Girls size 12 and 14.

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***PLEASE NOTE:

We kindly ask that all menstrual pads comply with our guidelines for safety and effectiveness. We offer approved supplies at discounted prices for your convenience. Please feel free to reach out to us for assistance or to obtain the necessary supplies.

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Your support in adhering to these specifications is crucial. Maintaining the trust our girls place in the kits they receive from Crafting Change is paramount, and you play the key role in upholding it.