Women’s Independent Press

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sue Kerr
(412) 216-3535
tote4pgh@gmail.com

Pittsburgh, PA - Local organizations On The Spot and the Pittsburgh Tote Bag Project have teamed up to dedicate the month of March to collecting menstrual supplies with tote bags. On the Spot works to address the scarcity of menstrual products for many young girls in local low-income communities. The group focuses on collecting menstrual supplies that can be distributed in the schools, where teachers and staff often purchase items for girls who come to school with nothing. The Pittsburgh Tote Bag Project collects items defined as a “priority” by Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
Many women and girls in our region simply do not have the extra cash to stop at the drug store to pick up a box of tampons or pads. SNAP (food stamps) doesn’t cover these products. The difficult reality for many working women is that feminine hygiene products are a luxury.
During the month of March (Women’s History Month), The Pittsburgh Tote Bag Project and On the Spot, will be asking community members to fill tote bags with menstrual supplies for those women and girls in our region who so desperately need them. One grocery store tote bag with pads or tampons could provide a local woman with up to six months worth of supplies. Totes with products can be donated at any of the regular drop-spots for the three projects. More information on drop-off spots can be found at www.tote4pgh.com/sister-supplies.
“Dignity is an important part of the project,” explains Sue Kerr, co-chair of The Pittsburgh Tote Bag Project. “It is good fit with our goal of making the food pantry experience a bit more dignified. Working with On The Spot highlights the impact of poverty throughout our community and creates opportunities for us to support our neighbors.”
Suggested ways to participate include asking coworkers or family members to purchase products to be included in a tote bag, organizing a drive at your place of worship or community group, or working with a group of young women to educate them about this critical need.
“Many women and girls are stunned when they realize that this need exists,” says Kerr. “We take these items for granted, assume that the days of using rags or similar solutions are ‘history.’ That’s why we chose Women’s History Month – it is important for everyone to understand that poverty – even for working families – makes this very much a current problem.
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How to Donate:
Donations will be divided between the Food Bank and On The Spot for distribution throughout the region.
The Pittsburgh Tote Bag Project Drop-Off Spots
Download our flyer (.pdf)
What To Donate:
Box of pads, any size. Variety is good. Special need for pads designed for young girls.
Box of tampons, any size. Variety is good.
Panty liners, any variety. Unscented is best.
New reusable products are welcome, too. If we can give women choices, that’s good.
New or gently used tote bags. Backpacks also useful.
Sample and trials are fine as long as they are sealed.
What Else Can We Do?
We need women and girls groups to commit to one product drive a year. Pick a month and sign up now, make a two year commitment for 2012 and 2013. This will ensure a steady supply of products. You can continue to use the Tote Bag Project as a resource to coordinate transport (good chance to also collect tote bags.)
Our goal is to end March 2012 with commitments from 24 different organizations & groups to conduct a drive beyond this specific drive. This is a great teachable moment if you work with young woman who might benefit from learning about the real impact of poverty on women’s lives, health and welfare.
To make this commitment, email tote4pgh@gmail.com with your details.
Other Events and Activities:
Wednesday, March 14, 2012 we are coordinating a “blogswarm” about this issue. Any blogger is invited to participate. Please send a link for your post to tote4pgh@gmail.com so we can include you in our list.