Herspace, an affinity group dedicated to uplifting female-identifying students, has organized a feminine hygiene drive. Leaders Clara Ann Bagnoli and Audrey Leathem plan to send the goods they received in the donation boxes this winter to Keystone Community Services and possibly another in the spring.

“We found an organization that we really liked and wasn’t religiously based and helped any woman in need with resources. And we really liked their morals. We like their values. So we made a list of things and posters, and it went really well. I was not expecting to have that much stuff donated, so I was really, really happy,” Leatham said.

Both leaders felt more comfortable choosing a non-commercial and non-religious organization, so they knew exactly where the donations were going.

A feminine hygiene drive holds significant importance as it directly addresses fundamental needs and contributes to the overall well-being of individuals and communities. Accessibility is crucial for preventing infections and complications related to menstruation and contributing to the overall health of individuals. The feminine hygiene drive recognizes and upholds the dignity of women and girls by providing them with the means to manage their menstruation confidently and without embarrassment.

The group typically collects essential items to support menstrual health and hygiene for individuals, particularly women and girls. Letham says that things like “soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, tampons, pads, menstrual cups, underwear, band-aids, and socks” are perfect for the donations Herspace is making.

“I donated some stuff this morning. It’s a nice way to give back to our community. Especially right now during the holiday season [when] people might not have all the resources that they need. The least we can do is try to help them,” Leatham said.

The drive is located at the Davern and Red Leaf entrances and will continue until the end of the week. Both Leatham and Bagnoli are hoping to have another drive in the spring.