Local organization PADS (Pride among daughters and sisters) will be holding their First Annual Hygiene Product Donation Drive on Make a Difference Day, Saturday, October 24, from 10 am-2 pm. Individuals and organizations are invited to safely drive through and donate sanitary napkins and pads, tampons, menstrual cups, wipes and other menstrual health products for distribution. While supplies last, free masks and hand sanitizer will be offered to donors as needed. School groups, womens’ organizations, sororities and clubs are encouraged to hold collections ahead of time and give one bulk donation. Donations may be dropped off at First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland, 3630 Fairmount Boulevard, Shaker Heights, OH 44118.
In 2019, a survey by Reuters Health revealed that one in five females struggle with affording menstrual hygiene items. Imagine the impact that has on women and girls attending school, working, interviewing, and doing other activities. Pride Among Daughters and Sisters (PADS) is increasing awareness of and seeking to end period poverty.
Their “dream big” goal is that one day a PADS Bank will be the “go to” place in Cleveland for hygiene products like sanitary napkins and pads, tampons, menstrual cups, wipes, etc. The Bank will support and partner with shelters, transitional housing, drug rehabilitation centers, homeless shelters, medical clinics, schools and other charitable organizations that serve marginalized individuals.
Monetary donations may be sent to PADS, c/o First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland, 3630 Fairmount Blvd, Shaker Heights, OH 44118. For more information, contact Delesia Robinson at delesia.robinson@caresource.org.