Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry (SHL) demonstrated the power of organized compassion through an enormously successful volunteer action on Saturday, May 2, 2026 as part of the American Empathy Project, a nationwide day of service organized by the American Humanist Association (AHA).
Built around the message that care beats cruelty, the American Empathy Project funded more than 100 service initiatives across the nation with over $100,000 in grants. As a proud chapter of the AHA, SHL was honored to receive one of these grants to support a local service effort with real impact. In addition to the $1,000 grant from AHA, members of SHL donated more than $400 for the purchase of packing supplies. Many event participants also brought donations of supplies for the packing party.
For our project, SHL partnered with the Lowcountry Period Pixies to host a Period Pack Packing Party—and the response from our community was incredible.
More than 30 dedicated volunteers joined forces to assemble over 1,200 period packs containing pads, liners, tampons, and wipes. These essential hygiene kits will be distributed to public school students across the tri-county area, unhoused communities, and other vulnerable populations who often lack reliable access to menstrual products.
The importance of this work cannot be overstated.
One in four women, girls, and others who menstruate cannot afford period products. Because these items cannot be purchased through SNAP or WIC benefits and are rarely donated to food banks, many individuals are forced to go without. Period poverty can lead students to miss school, workers to miss income, and vulnerable people to resort to unsafe alternatives that pose significant health risks.
By assembling these packs, SHL volunteers helped provide more than products—they provided dignity, stability, and healthier futures.
This event was a remarkable example of humanist values in action. It showed what is possible when people come together not only to advocate for compassion, but to practice it directly.
SHL encourages everyone inspired by this effort to deepen their impact by:
- Becoming a member of SHL
- Joining the American Humanist Association
- Supporting the Lowcountry Period Pixies through donations
- Volunteering for future period packing events and community service initiatives
Together, we proved that empathy is not passive—it is powerful, practical, and transformative.
Care beats cruelty. And SHL is proud to be part of that movement.
Many more photos can be viewed on the SHL website.