Today, my guest contributor is Ms. Cynthia Bullard-Perez who works at VTS as the in the Academic Resource Center. She is working with a local contribution to encourage the donation of women’s hygiene products. Although it is obviously impossible for friends in New York to support this initiative, I share the VTS commentary and invite our GTS family to find ways of supporting this initiative in New York. So, over to Cynthia:

I was not unaware until recently of the term “period poverty”, defined as inadequate access to menstrual hygiene tools and educations, including but not limited to sanitary products, washing facilities, and waste management. Think of having to choose between feeding your children, going to school/work and buying necessary hygiene products.

Resurrection and the Student Body are conducting a women’s hygiene product drive through the month of March, with collection boxes outside of the refectory and the flamingo. Donations will go to the West End Pantry (5150 Filmore Ave.), Hammond Market (at Hammond Middle School, 4646 Seminary Road), and women shelters in Alexandria. Pads of all sizes, including panty liners, are especially needed due to an increased immigrant population.

Items ordered can be directly shipped to Resurrection Episcopal Church, 2800 Hope Way, Alexandria VA, 22311. Please share this information/hold a drive at your place of worship. Members of the Student Body Leadership team can arrange pick-ups if needed.

For more information Google period poverty and check out Alliance for Period Supplies https://allianceforperiodsupplies.org

Cynthia Bullard-Perez
Resurrection Episcopal Church
Academic Resource Center VTS
Writing Center Coach and Consultant