Quincy Public Library addressing period poverty with third annual menstrual hygiene drive

QUINCY — Quincy Public Library’s third annual Menstrual Hygiene Drive started March 1 and continues through April 12. This initiative aims to combat period poverty by collecting essential menstrual products for people in need.

Period poverty is a human rights issue that affects menstruating individuals across all demographics. It extends beyond the lack of menstrual hygiene supplies to include a lack of education about menstruation. According to the Journal of Global Health Reports, two-thirds of the 16.9 million low-income women in the U.S. could not afford menstrual products in the past year, with half having to choose between menstrual products and food. The impact is even greater when considering the transgender community.

Many people miss school, work and daily activities due to inadequate access to menstrual products. Ensuring access to these essential supplies helps eliminate barriers to education, employment and overall well-being for those affected by period poverty.

The Quincy Public Library received more than $750 in monetary donations last year and collected more than 300 packages of pads, tampons, menstrual cups, hygiene wipes and period underwear. These supplies were distributed to the Bella Ease Care Closet, Quincy Public Schools, Horizons, Quanada, the YWCA and Parents as Teachers.

People can participate by dropping off donations in the library lobby during open hours. Accepted items are:

• Tampons
• Pads
• Unused menstrual cups
• Unused period underwear
• Hygiene wipes

Donations this year will benefit the YWCA, Quanada, Horizons, Bella Ease Care Closet, Quincy Public Schools, Chaddock and Parents as Teachers.

For those who prefer to contribute financially, a cash donation box will be available at the library. Online donations can be made through the Givebutter campaign at https://givebutter.com/menstrualhygienedrive25.