The Dignity Project Supply Drive

The YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region (YWCA GLBR) is asking the community to join the fight to end period poverty by donating unopened pads and tampons during the “Thanks4Giving Period Dignity Drive” from October 13 - November 18, 2026. Donations can be dropped off at collection centers, including YWCA GLBR (Bay City), Bay County Health Department (Bay City), Auburn and Pinconning Branch Libraries, Grace A. Dow Memorial Library (Midland), Hoyt Main (Saginaw) and Zauel Memorial Library (Saginaw Township). Individuals can also visit the YWCA’s Amazon Wishlist to purchase items at bit.ly/ywcadignitydrive.

Donations will be distributed to the region's local organizations such as shelters, public schools, and probate court. Past donation recipients included Bay Area Women’s Center, Shelterhouse, Mustard Seed Shelter, and Emmaus House, Open Door, Garber High School, Underground Railroad, Bay-Arenac and Saginaw ISDs and more.

Period poverty refers to the inadequate access to menstrual hygiene supplies due to financial constraints or cultural stigmas. This lack of access can lead to health issues, missed school or work, and negative mental health impacts. Currently, the Dignity Project supports students across 13 Bay County schools by providing a consistent supply of menstrual products. The program ensures that no student is forced to miss school or experience embarrassment due to a lack of essential hygiene supplies. Stacy Abbs, counselor at Garber High School reported, “Just having the products has been a huge help to the students. I started stocking up 2x a week instead of 1x because I noticed that a lot more gets used on Fridays. I think some students need this stuff at home and aren't getting it .... It's been really impactful.”

Menstrual products are expensive. In a national survey of 1,000 menstruating teens, 1 in 5 struggled to afford period products and 4 in 5 either missed or knew someone who missed class time because they did not have access to period products. Unfortunately, government benefits, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), do not cover the cost of these necessary supplies. No one should have to choose between feeding herself and her personal health and dignity.

Learn more about this event and how to be a partner by visiting the website www.ywcaglbr.org.

##The YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.