ODU’s Women & Gender Equity Center (W&GEC) is hosting a period supplies drive to collect menstrual products until Nov. 29.

The drive is co-hosted by the Women Studies Department, Panhellenic Council, and Free Flow, which is a non-profit founded by ODU alumni. 

“We are asking for any hygienic and period related products that people can give but mainly tampons and pads,” said Kayla Wall-Green, the W&GEC intern leading the drive. 

“Our long-term goals are for period products to be accessible in all bathrooms on ODU’s campus. We want period products to be just as accessible as masks and toilet paper.”

Several ODU offices, such as Health Promotions, the Women & Gender Equity Center, and Student Health Services, offer free period products in their offices. But the drive seeks to go beyond that and stock residence halls as well.

Half of all donations will also go to a Women’s Center in Hampton Roads.

The drive is seeking pads, tampons, wipes and hand sanitizer. They’re also accepting virtual donations via Amazon, and financial donations through PayPal. 

In-person donations can be brought to the Women & Gender Equity Center, Fraternity & Sorority Life Office, and the Health Promotions Office, all located in the Webb Center. 

“It may feel uncomfortable to talk about now but pushing through that feeling and donating or advocating for those in need can relieve the discomfort they face of period poverty,” said Wall-Green.

On Nov. 29, 2022, a “Period Packing Party” will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Executive Dining Room, located in the Webb Center. During the event, products will be sorted into care kits which will be distributed to Monarch Pantry and the residence halls. 

More information can be found on the website dedicated to the drive, which can be found here.