Closet to Catalyst: How Bras Sparked a Global Movement with Dana Marlowe, Founder, I Support The Girls
Rethinking Sustainability: How Donating Gently Used Products Empowers Women and Saves the Planet
Ever wondered what happens to that drawer of unused bras or the stash of unopened menstrual products tucked away in your cupboard? You're not alone. Many of us hold onto perfectly good items, unaware of their potential to make a real impact. What if I told you that these seemingly trivial household items could be transformed into powerful symbols of dignity, environmental sustainability, and community support?In this post, we'll explore the inspiring journey of Dana Marlowe, founder of I Support the Girls, who turned her closet clutter into a worldwide movement distributing over 47 million bras, underwear, and menstrual products to women experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, and other hardships. Get ready to learn how small acts of donation can create ripple effects of positive change, how innovative programs like DashKits are rethinking sustainability, and how collaboration with corporations and celebrities amplifies this vital work.
The Movement Born from a Simple Question: What Can I Do With My Unused Bras?
Dana Marlowe’s story begins in her own closet. After losing weight and breastfeeding her children, she noticed her drawer of perfectly good bras had become outdated. When asked what to do with them by a store associate, her answer was a revelation: homeless women need bras. That simple question sparked her journey from personal need to global mission.Dana reached out to a local shelter, donated her 16 bras, and then shared the idea with friends via social media. That was over a decade ago, and what started as an organic local effort has now become a monumental organization called I Support the Girls. In her own words, she explains:
"Rethinking what we throw away and who gets left out when we do—that's the most important form of sustainability."
Her approach redefines trash as treasure, especially for marginalized communities left behind by traditional sustainability efforts.
From Closet to Global Impact: How I Support the Girls Grows
Dana's journey underscores a key lesson: small beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Her first donation drive of 8,100 products quickly attracted media attention, leading to partnerships with corporations, celebrities, and thousands of community volunteers. Without a large staff or high-budget infrastructure, she leveraged media, social media, and community engagement to catalyze this movement.
How do they manage such scale?
I Support the Girls employs innovative logistics and programs designed to meet community needs efficiently:
Partnerships with corporations: They partner with retail chains and manufacturers, sourcing products like bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene items in bulk.
Affiliate networks: Local chapters across the US and international branches support women in their own communities think Denver, Dallas, Pakistan, and beyond.
Expert logistics team: With a background in accessibility technology, Dana emphasizes the importance of streamlined operational strategies, enabling the organization to move millions of products rapidly, avoiding waste while maximizing impact.
The power of storytelling and mediaMedia exposure has been pivotal. Campaigns involving celebrities like Charli XCX, Miley Cyrus, and features in Vogue or the New York Times have propelled awareness. Dana recalls:
"We recorded a song about donating bras, had a van wrapped in a giant tampon, and even partnered with Grammy performers all to get the message out."
This blend of fun, celebrity, and fundamental messaging bridges awareness and action ensuring donors see their gifts as vital and dignified.
Innovative Programs Redefining Sustainability: DashKits, HotFlashKits, and SlashKits
One of the organization’s standout innovations is the creation of pre-made kits tailored to specific needs. These kits serve as direct, accessible ways for anyone to support those in need, whether during a crisis or as part of ongoing community care.DashKits: The Dignity, Aid, Safety, Hygiene bundleDesigned during COVID-19, DashKits support women escaping domestic violence. They contain essentials like menstrual products, bras, underwear, and hygiene items—all in a plain, unbranded box, ready to ship. Dana describes:
"It's about providing dignity and safety quickly, especially for women who are in crisis at home."
HotFlashKits and SlashKitsBuilding on their success, the organization launched:
HotFlashKits for women experiencing menopause—featuring cotton bras and lubricants for vaginal dryness.
SlashKits for gender non-conforming, trans, and non-binary individuals needing gender-affirming products.
These targeted solutions highlight Dana's commitment to inclusivity and addressing diverse needs.
Bridging the Gap: Re-Thinking Waste, Recycling, and Re-Use
Dana’s approach underscores an essential truth: most sustainable efforts overlook dignity, and waste can be a resource. She advocates:
Reusing products: Gently used bras, unopened menstrual products, even items in open packaging, all find new life in community or educational programs.
Partnerships with textile recyclers: Collaborations exist with companies like The Bra Recycler, which salvages usable fibers from old textiles, reducing landfill waste.
Creative reuse: Donations that can't be directly distributed such as slightly damaged textiles are repurposed into art projects, educational demos, or art therapy sessions.
Dana emphasizes that every product has dignity, and that rehoming is a moral and environmental imperative.
How Social & Corporate Collaboration Amplifies Impact
Dana credits a significant part of her organization’s growth to media, celebrity influence, and corporate partnerships:
Media campaigns on TV and in print reach millions.
Celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Billie Eilish endorse and feature their products, raising awareness.
Corporate partnerships facilitate large-scale donations and encourage employee-driven drives.
She notes:
"Messaging is key using fun visuals like our pink van or tampon chapsticks turns awareness into a movement everyone can participate in."
This strategy makes donating approachable and memorable, inviting broad participation.
Practical Steps You Can Take Today
No need to wait for the next drive to make a difference. Dana offers simple ways to contribute:
Donate gently used clothing, bras, or unopened menstrual products.
Organize or join a local collection drive—use her tips and guides available on I Support the Girls website.
Support programs like DashKits or create your own kits tailored to your community’s needs.
Push awareness through social media—share stories, involve local celebrities, or challenge friends to participate.
Their website (isupportthegirls.org) is packed with resources, stories, and ways to get involved so take that first step today.
The Dignity of Support: What We Learn from Dana's Journey
The core lesson is clear: Small acts, when combined, become powerful movements. Whether it’s donating a gently used bra or organizing a community drive, you’re actively preserving dignity, supporting sustainability, and fostering community resilience.Dana reminds us:
"Enjoy the ride because the impact we create is bigger than we imagine, and every contribution matters."
Now, it's your turn. Look around your closet, community, or workplace. With just a little effort, you can turn waste into dignity and promote sustainability with purpose.
Ready to Get Involved?
Visit isupportthegirls.org, follow their social channels, and see how your small contribution can ripple out into global change. Whether you're donating products or spreading awareness, your support helps amplify the mission to support women and girls with dignity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I start a donation drive in my community?
You can begin by collecting gently used bras, menstrual products, and hygiene items. Use resources and tips provided on I Support the Girls website to organize and promote your drive locally, and connect with their chapters for support.
Are open or partially used products accepted?
Yes. I Support the Girls accepts sealed menstrual hygiene products and, in some cases, open but clean items used for education, art, or advocacy as long as they are safe and hygienic for the intended purpose.
How do kits like DashKits and SlashKits work?
These ready-to-ship kits are pre-packed with essentials tailored for specific needs like domestic violence survivors or transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Interested parties can apply through their website, and the organization ships discreetly and efficiently.
Can I donate financially, or only products?
Both! Financial donations support logistics, program development, and specialized kits. Smaller contributions also go a long way in expanding community outreach and creating impactful campaigns.
Do I Support the Girls operate internationally?
Absolutely. They have branches and partnerships in six countries, including Pakistan, Australia, and Germany, extending their mission worldwide.
Final Thoughts…
Dana Marlowe's inspiring story reminds us that compassion, creativity, and collective action are the true pillars of sustainability. By rethinking how we view waste and dignity, we not only help those in need but also turn everyday items into symbols of hope and resilience. So, next time you open that drawer of unused items, ask yourself what's the next step for this piece? With a little effort, you could be part of a movement that changes lives.
Because sometimes, the most sustainable act is simply helping someone feel seen, valued, and dignified.
