Topeka Giving Back | MB PILAND ADVERTISING + MARKETING
As Topeka-based MB Piland Advertising + Marketing approached its 25th anniversary earlier this year, the team behind the brand knew they wanted to do something big to celebrate, but a traditional toast just wouldn’t do.
“When our anniversary was approaching, we said, ‘What do we want to do that will help us celebrate but also have lasting impact?’” said Martha Bartlett Piland, president and CEO of the local firm. “So rather than throwing a party or something like that, can we do something else that really ties with our purpose and connects with us in a meaningful way, and the community?”
While giving back isn’t new for the business — they’ve worked with the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment, participated in many installments of United Way’s local Nancy Perry Day of Caring, and much more — MB Piland’s quarter-century birthday marked a special occasion, giving them another reason to find a cause worth championing.
DECISIONS, DECISIONS
As they brainstormed, they began thinking about what helps vulnerable women and heard about drives happening for something called “period poverty.” It's an issue that, according to statistics published online by Medical News Today, may impact close to 17 million menstruating people in the U.S. alone. Globally, that number is closer to 500 million.“
When period poverty entered the conversation, we took into account how education is kind of that foundational tool that women need to be successful and independent in life,” said Alexandra Reilly, vice president and agency principal for MB Piland. “Something as simple as having hygiene products allows you to walk through life with dignity, helps you go to school and you don’t miss class."
The problem was clear. It had obvious ties to workplace issues and socio-economic disparities. And as a nationally certified woman-owned small business, the cause felt dear to the MB Piland team’s heart.
“We felt this was something we could speak about with authenticity, because as women, we know what that’s like,” Reilly said.
“That was the other part of this campaign,” she added. “Once we kicked it off, people started sharing their stories with us, and everybody has a story about a time when their period came at an unexpected time. We’ve all had to deal with things like embarrassment and shame that we shouldn’t have to deal with. It is a normal bodily function that half of us on this entire globe have.”
And she’s more comfortable saying that publicly now, because talking about these issues is helping remove the stigmas associated with them.
THE CAMPAIGN IN ACTION
They honed in on the issue further, and MB Piland’s “Punctuating the Period” campaign became a reality when it launched in February 2023.
“Once we decided this is what we wanted to do, we wanted to make sure that there was a recipient that was willing to take what we were offering,” Reilly said. “We reached out to Topeka Public Schools to ask them and they said yes.”
She added that they pointed out the need in their elementary schools too, as young as third grade.
Punctuating the Period kicked off. It consisted of two phases. The first, running mid-February through March 31, involved collecting donations through an online platform and concluded with a public “packing party” that helped the advertising agency assemble discreet period-product kits. Once assembled, they were delivered to Topeka Public Schools, Shawnee County’s largest school district. According to a statement earlier this year by Dr. Aarion Gray, general director of instructional services for the district, about 77% of students in their care come from low-income households.
The initial kits were delivered around April 1, the official date of MB Piland’s 25th anniversary which completed the first phase. Then commenced the second phase, which is ongoing through the end of the year.
“We’ve continued to gather donations, and people can, through an online portal, purchase products or they can just give money,” Piland said. “Every time that amount hits $500, product ships directly to Topeka Public Schools.”
MAKING AN IMPACT
The whole process has been a learning experience for the MB Piland team. It has evolved in small but meaningful ways along the way. The campaign has spurred conversations they didn’t expect.
“It’s exciting. It is emotional, because this can be an emotional issue for people,” Piland said.
She added that Punctuating the Period has also aligned well with her agency’s mission.
“Our purpose as a company is to improve the health and well-being of people and communities. We do that by working with clients in health, education, advocacy, economic development and financial sectors,” Piland said. “In terms of the donations or the time we spend, we look for those things that also support our purpose.”
All things considered, Punctuating the Period was a no-brainer, and to date, with the help of passionate supporters and volunteers, MB Piland has been able to donate well over 25,000 items worth more than $8,200 to TPS — with potentially more products on the way. To learn more about the campaign, period poverty facts and how to donate to MB Piland’s cause, those interested may visit MBPiland.com/25.
“We can’t impact everybody, but we started in a way that we felt we could make a significant impact,” Piland said. “We would love it if someone would continue to carry this message.”
