Quincy Public Library conducting second Menstrual Hygiene Drive during March

QUINCY — The Quincy Public Library’s second Menstrual Hygiene Drive runs until Friday, March 29. The online Givebutter campaign (donation site) will continue until Saturday, March 30.

Period Poverty, a pressing human rights issue affecting menstruating individuals regardless of race, nationality or religion, remains a critical concern. It encompasses not only the scarcity of menstrual hygiene supplies but also a lack of education surrounding 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 a half of this needing to choose between menstrual products and food.” The plight is even more acute for transgender individuals.

The consequences of Period Poverty extend beyond mere inconvenience, often leading to missed opportunities in education, employment and daily activities. This challenge is compounded when people lack access to essential menstrual products or comprehensive education about menstruation, an experience shared by more than half of the global population.

Last year’s Menstrual Hygiene Drive resulted in nearly 80 packages of pads, tampons, period underwear, menstrual cups and hygiene wipes distributed to organizations including the Bella Ease Care Closet, Quincy Public Schools, Horizons, QUANADA, the Quincy Well House and the YWCA.

Residents are encouraged to drop off their donations in the library lobby during operating hours. Accepted items include tampons, pads, unused menstrual cups, unused period underwear and hygiene wipes. For those unable to contribute physical items directly or seeking a more convenient option, monetary donations can be made via the Givebutter campaign at https://givebutter.com/menstruationdrive23.