Zonta Club’s Period Project Seeks Hygiene Products

BELCHERTOWN — The Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley, a nonprofit organization, has begun its annual Period Project collection. This fundraising and supply-drive program purchases and collects women’s hygiene supplies for packaging and distribution to shelters, food pantries, schools, and organizations serving women and teens in need.

Feminine hygiene products are considered non-essential by the federal government, so they are not covered by SNAP and WIC programs. The project seeks donations of sealed boxes of individually wrapped pads and tampons, cleansing wipes, hand sanitizers or soap, and panty liners. Also in need are toiletries like hair products and lotions.

Find addresses and maps for drop-off locations throughout Hampden and Hampshire counties, and a link to an Amazon wish list, at www.zontaqv.org/period. Cash to purchase items in short supply are also accepted. Checks can be made to Zonta and sent to P.O. Box 1034, Belchertown, MA 01007.

Period Project kits will be assembled on Saturday, Feb. 21 beginning at 10 a.m. at Venture Way Collaborative, 200 Venture Way, Hadley. The public and organizations needing these products are encouraged to join. Call Mary Knight, chair of the Period Project committee, at (413) 219-8260 for any questions about donations or pickup.

“When many of us think about giving donations and goods to local organizations that assist families, the first items that come to mind are things like clothes, shoes, and food,” according to the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley. “Many of us don’t think about the other items that people with periods are in need of on a regular basis. It is our hope that you will contribute now and share this message in the new year and beyond.”