by Kassidy Hart–Junior graphic design student Lex Wurth took the initiative last month to campaign and collect donations for period poverty. The project aimed to collect enough feminine products to be distributed to local shelters. The project lasted from October 6 to November 1.
The inspiration for this project came from her global research on the topic and, specifically, how widespread it is just in our nation.
“It’s important to realize these issues are not only happening in our world, but in our own communities. This project held the goal to not only help those in need but to educate the rest,” Wurth said.
When she decided to take the chance and begin a donation collection, Wurth researched other donation drives. She then looked into different feminine product companies that she could partner with. On top of all this, she talked to local shelters to see what products were needed.
“I partnered with Drilling Pharmacy, who allowed me to purchase everything through them with the monetary donations I received through a GoFundMe. I also reached out to 27 companies, hearing back from two. One called ‘Intimina’ donated 20 menstrual cups and I have an interview with the other company, ‘Diva Cup’,” Wurth said.
Once Wurth knew what she needed and how she would go about collecting these items, she began making posters, putting together donation boxes, and then watched donations pour in.
Wurth ended up collecting around 300 boxes and packs of tampons, pads, and menstrual cups that she plans on donating to Haven House in South Sioux City and the Community Action Agency in Sioux City.
“I believe that menstrual products are too expensive and inaccessible for a lot of people, especially being the fact that they are a necessity. These issues should be discussed openly and without shame. It is my personal belief that these products should be available tax free, and at a low cost, if not free of cost all together,” Wurth said.
This project is not the end of Wurth’s initiatives to better her community. Her dream job is to work as a graphic designer for an organization that promotes comprehensive sexual health education or advocates for reproductive rights and healthcare.
“I have a passion for bringing awareness to issues that are “taboo” in our culture. Periods are something that people don’t like to talk about, and this is also why it’s difficult to solve the issue of period poverty,” Wurth said.
Regarding this campaign and project, Wurth would love to see it grow into an annual event that can outlast her own time in Sioux City.
“I appreciate the support and kind words I’ve received, from those who have donated or spread the word about this fundraiser. It’s amazing to see a community come together for an issue they may have just discovered and do something to make a difference,” Wurth said.
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