A student is accepting donations for a nationwide drive focusing on sanitary products for women.
The drive is called “Power to the Period” and is an effort by DoSomething.org.
DoSomething.org is one of the largest youth and social change organizations, with 3.5 million members in 130 countries. According to their site, they handle volunteer campaigns in many different areas, including poverty, discrimination and the environment.
This drive is for a scholarship, and is being headed on campus by McAlyn Forbes, acting sophomore.
If she receives more donations than any other participating student in the country, she will receive a scholarship worth $5,000.
“I have received over $250 and about 2,000 items so far,” Forbes said.
The sanitary products collected will be going to The Homeless Alliance in Oklahoma City, which is a nonprofit organization that aims to end homelessness.
There are 3.5 million homeless people in the United States alone, and sanitary products are one of the most needed items in homeless shelters, according to DoSomething.org.
Sarah Thias, dance sophomore, said she’s happy Forbes is doing this on campus.
“The fact that sanitary products are so expensive that people can’t obtain them is ridiculous, and it’s a good thing that she can provide it for them,” she said.
Anyone can donate any kind of feminine sanitary product including pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and liners. Money donations are also accepted.
The drive ends Sept. 30.
Students can visit Forbes’s donation Facebook page or email her at msforbes@my.okcu.edu.
Visit DoSomething.org to learn more about the drive.
Editor’s Note: Forbes is a staff writer for Student Publications. She did not participate in the writing or editing of this story.
I am proud that our students are taking this type of initiative. I hope others help McAlyn in this effort.