A 2021 survey revealed that nearly a quarter of teenage students in the U.S. experienced period poverty — the inability to access menstrual hygiene products. Furthermore, half of the students surveyed have worn products longer than recommended.
It’s difficult to quantify the precise impact locally but given the poverty rate in Fort Wayne Community Schools, the need is likely substantial. That’s why the Fort Wayne chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America is taking action. To that end, the organization is collecting UNOPENED hygiene products including pads, tampons, liners, and more to benefit FWCS students now through January 31st.
“The Fort Wayne DSA is very excited to be starting our period product drive,” says Christopher Thurber, Fort Wayne DSA co-chair. “The need for menstrual products during this stage of life is apparent. At least half of the teenage population menstruates, and we want to partner with individuals and organizations to collect products to help relieve stress and anxiety around a natural bodily function. FW DSA hopes to offer relief to people who are struggling with period poverty and shine a light on this issue in our community. We hope that this is just the beginning on tackling this community issue once and for all.”
A list of drop-off sites in Fort Wayne are below:
Fort Wayne Farmers Market @ Parkview Field
Saturday 9am-1pm
285 W. Douglas Fort Wayne, IN 46802
YLNI Farmers Market
Saturday 9am-1pm
350 Pearl Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Tazza Cafe
5991 Bluffton Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46809
Monetary donations can be made via PayPal: https://paypal.me/laurencaggiano1.
Contact
Lauren Caggiano
Founding Member/Drive Organizer
Fort Wayne DSA
(260) 466-6218
caggialp@gmail.com
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