Zeta Tau Omega, one of many sororities on the Wayne State College campus, started providing period baskets in at least two restrooms of every academic building in the fall of 2022. 

Each member who joins the sorority must come up with a project that helps the campus. 

“When you are pledging our sorority, you are in charge of making a pledge project which is a community service-based project that you implement,” CeCe Meister, the president of Zeta Tau Omega, said. “One of the girls got in contact with Access Period through Omaha and they collaborated with us to make these period baskets.” 

The collaboration with Access Period, an organization dedicated to providing free period products to those who need them, was a huge success, so the sorority decided it was a good idea to continue stocking restrooms. They collaborated with other companies such as Sensible, who also donated period products. More donations have come from people on campus. Other than donations, Zeta Tau Omega occasionally puts on fundraisers to raise money to buy these products.  

“Last semester, all the funds from the book sale went to funding the period baskets,” Meister said. “This year, we had a bake sale and the funds from that also went to the baskets.” 

Philanthropy head Morgan Kruger oversees buying all the products and keeping track of when baskets are running out and what needs to be restocked. Every basket has the same products in it.  

“We typically stick to pads and tampons, but in the past, we’ve had disposable bags and other things that have been donated to us,” Kruger said. 

All the products are free and available for anyone. This way, if a student forgets to pack products or is unable to afford them, the sorority can step in and provide help. 

“It is really nice if you can’t afford period products because they are expensive, but also if you forget to put some in your bag and you start your period unexpectedly, there is something right there for you,” Kruger said. 

Many students have commented on how helpful these period baskets are and why the sorority should keep this going. 

“We have received comments from people off campus too when we post on our social media about it, about how great of an idea it is and to continue it,” Meister said.  

Overall, the period baskets have been a success for Zeta Tau Omega. They strive to make sure women are prepared and comfortable. They come up with great projects and ideas of how to make campus a better place.