The Red Cart Project Expands Into Alexander County Schools Supporting Student Health and Confidence
- Anne Mautner
- May 7
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
This school year, The Kindness Closet proudly expanded the Red Cart Project into Alexander County Schools, bringing free menstrual products directly into school bathrooms for students who need them.
The expansion was led by high school senior Kaelie G. as part of her senior graduation project. Kaelie worked closely with Anne Mautner, who served as her mentor throughout the project, helping coordinate the rollout of carts, products, and elementary “first period” kits across the district.
Today, the program supports approximately 1,470 female students in grades 4–12 throughout Alexander County.
What Was Delivered
During the initial launch in 2025, the project provided:
16 Red Cart stations
3,375 pads
1,500 tampons
In January 2026, additional supplies were delivered, including 135 elementary school “first period” kits designed to support students as they begin learning about puberty and menstrual health.
Then in April, The Kindness Closet delivered an additional 10,750 hygiene and menstrual products, plus 1,200 body wipes, to support students through the summer months and help schools prepare for the beginning of the 2026 school year.
These deliveries included:
Summer kits for students
Pads
Tampons
Body wipes
Restocking supplies for Red Cart stations
Reducing Stress and Missed Class Time
Feedback from nurses and staff across the district has been overwhelmingly positive.
School nurses shared that students appreciate having products available directly in the bathrooms, allowing them to return to class more quickly and avoid the embarrassment of having to search for supplies.
One nurse shared:
“The kids get back to class quicker and miss less instruction time.”
Another noted that teachers had previously been keeping products in their classrooms because students had nowhere else to access them.
Nurses also observed which products students used most frequently, including:
Pads with wings
Super tampons
Panty liners
The carts have remained organized, respected, and well-maintained by students.
Helping Students Feel Prepared Before They Even Need It
One of the most meaningful moments came during a fourth grade puberty class taught by school nurse Monica Hamby.
As students learned about the transition to middle school, they were told that Red Cart menstrual product stations would already be available in the bathrooms when they arrived.
Nurse Hamby shared that many students were visibly relieved.
The students expressed comfort knowing they would not have to worry about not having products or needing to ask someone for help because the supplies would already be there if they needed them.
That feedback perfectly captures why the Red Cart Project matters.
This program is about more than pads and tampons. It is about reducing anxiety, preserving dignity, supporting attendance, and helping students feel confident and prepared during an important stage of life.
Student Leadership Creating Community Impact
Kaelie’s leadership and dedication helped bring this vision to life in Alexander County, demonstrating the power of student-led service projects to create meaningful community impact.
Through collaboration between students, school nurses, administrators, and The Kindness Closet, the Red Cart Project continues to expand access to essential hygiene products while creating safer and more supportive environments for students.
Because no student should have to miss class, feel embarrassed, or worry about not having the products they need.
What You Need to Know About The Red Cart Project's Expansion Into Alexander County Schools Supporting Student Health and Confidence
What is the Red Cart Project?
The Red Cart Project is a school support initiative that places free menstrual products directly inside school bathrooms so students can easily access the supplies they need during the school day.
How is the Red Cart Project helping Alexander County Schools?
The Red Cart Project Alexander County Schools expansion provides menstrual products, hygiene supplies, and educational support to approximately 1,470 female students in grades 4–12 throughout the district.
Why are menstrual product stations important in schools?
Having menstrual products available in school bathrooms helps reduce stress, embarrassment, missed instruction time, and barriers that may prevent students from fully participating in school activities.
Who led the Red Cart Project expansion in Alexander County?
The expansion was led by high school senior Kaelie G. as part of her graduation project, with mentorship and support from Anne Mautner and The Kindness Closet.
What products are included in the Red Cart Project?
The program includes pads, tampons, panty liners, body wipes, summer hygiene kits, and elementary “first period” kits designed to help students feel prepared and supported.