I wrote about it - now it’s time to be about it.
I found an agency that will be happy to distribute women’s feminine protection products to those in need. Please guys - send something to help. (or find an agency in your neighborhood, please)
Years ago, when I did direct service at a community center, we got a very generous donation (boxes, upon boxes) of feminine hygiene products. Since we dealt mainly with children, we graciously passed them along to a women’s shelter and it was like it was Christmas, they were so grateful. I’ve never seen anyone so happy to receive tampons and sanitary pads…
I’ve been on the other side of the fence as well, when we were so very poor, we didn’t have the money to buy the things we needed–like toothpaste, laundry detergent, and yes, tampons. It’s not a good place to be, and while one can almost always get food at a food bank, there’s rarely the opportunity to get tampons at a food bank, and food stamps certainly can’t be used to purchase them either.
Nearly any women’s and children’s shelter would be pleased to receive items they can use. Most have lists available on their websites (or if you call). Tampons and pads are just a few needed items.
Bump.
Have you done a google search on this board or on the web for the Divacup? It is an inexpensive, re-usable silicone cup for internal use. The Divacup got raving reviews on the SDMB. In theory, one Divacup would allow a woman to stop buying pads and tampons for the rest of her life. Might be an cost-effective alternative.
Might work okay for some, but not for others. The Divacup has to be washed; homeless women do not always have ready access to facilities. Disposable really is best in those situations.
Thanks for the “tip” Jali. I emailed my mom about this - her Women’s Guild at church is always looking for ideas for much-needed donations to the local women’s shelters so this might be a great project for them!