Touching Lives Through a Panty Pantry
The History
Back in 2018, members of the East Oakland-Hayward Section of NCNW were deeply moved to learn that, as part of sexual assault investigations, female victims often had their underwear retained as evidence and were sent home without their underwear. This realization— that these survivors had not only endured the trauma of assault, but were also left without essential undergarments—prompted the Section to take action.
The Result
In response, the “Panty Pantry” program was created to provide new underwear to women and girls who are survivors of sexual assault, human trafficking, domestic abuse, and unhoused women, and to girls and women living in shelters or transitional housing.
For more than six years, the East Oakland-Hayward Section of NCNW has collected and donated thousands of pairs of underwear to organizations offering direct services to these vulnerable populations.
In February of 2025, the Section sent panties to victims of the wildfires that devastated Southern California.
You Can Help
The Section welcomes donations to the Panty Pantry, and collections occur year-round, with ongoing efforts to ensure that those in need receive the support they deserve. To learn more about the Panty Pantry, or to contribute or make donations, please contact the East Oakland-Hayward Section of NCNW at eohncnw.org, or call us at (510) 347-8550.