Claire Coder Helps Women in Need Live More Comfortably with Aunt Flow

Photo by The Wonder Jam

By Chris Alexis

Claire Coder was inspired for her unique charity after finding herself in an, ahem, awkward moment. Many women can no doubt relate.

“I was sitting at a StartUp Weekend in Columbus. Friday night I got my period. Surrounded by men, I knew the odds of getting a tampon when I needed one were little to none,” Coder said. “I knew that night, I would be able to go to the store and buy more products. Unfortunately, considering menstrual products are not covered by WIC or food stamps, many menstruators go without tampons and pads,” she continued. “No one should ever have to go without tampons and pads. I knew I needed to create a sustainable solution, thus I pitched the idea for what is now known as Aunt Flow.”

Her organization is a buy-one, give-one subscription box for 100% cotton tampons and pads.

“Each monthly box includes a surprise gift from a girl-boss. For every box you purchase, a box is delivered to an organization that supports menstruators in need,”  she said.  “It’s people helping people. Period.”

Aunt Flow has donated more than 25,000 tampons and pads to date.

After a single semester of studying comparative religion, Coder dropped out. Without any sense of direction.

“At that point I did not have a job lined up, I didn’t have Aunt Flow yet, I didn’t know where I was going to live. January 2016 was the hardest time for my life,” she recalled.

She struggled to even afford tampons during the first three months of 2016.

But it was this hardship that helped her grow the passion behind what would eventually become Aunt Flow. This only goes to illustrate how bright lights can come out of dark times.

Young professionals can get involved. How?

Coder listed out the steps:

• Subscribe to Aunt Flow.
• Make a monthly donation. Just $5 supports a menstruator in need in the United States!
• Businesses can start offering Aunt Flow tampons by reaching out to claire@auntflow.org.
• Continue the conversation by getting some swag and talking about menstruation via #FlowForward.

Step up and help women in need live a little more comfortably . . . with a little more dignity.