Pads, Tampons, Etc Wanted for Holly ACTS Helping Women Period Drive
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Jan. 8, 2021)
Holly, MI –Volunteers in Holly ACTS use Action, Community Transformation, and Solidarity to uplift the area in multiple ways.  The latest of those ways is with a drive to collect feminine hygiene products for women and girls in economic need.
Donations of pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and new underwear will benefit Holly High School Student Pantry, Holly Middle School Office, Holly Twp Library Pantry, and LaCasa Women’s Shelter helping women escaping domestic violence.
Items can be dropped off at Revive Sips and Sweets at 1006 N Saginaw St or at the Little Free Library at 414 Oakland Street. There is also an online Amazon Wish List.
“When it comes to the topic of menstruation, the narrative surrounding it is one of secrecy and shame.  “Hide your pads,” “periods are gross,” “don’t discuss in mixed company,” and other archaic beliefs are deeply ingrained into our culture,” said Kristin Watt who helped organize the drive along Meghan Hill, Heather Lyon Meltons, and several other volunteers.  “The cost of period products continues to grow and for many women and their daughters, it is an added expense that at times they may have to do without.”
When asked what difference a donation can make, Watt said “The financial component is huge for those who are struggling.  Especially is there is more than one female in the household.  The cost of 1-2 boxes of period products would cover a half to whole tank of gas, groceries, or other necessary items for daily living.
“A portion of the collected item are being donated along with other personal toiletries to LaCasa for women escaping domestic violence. For women in this situation who leave with little to nothing to escape abuse, these items are crucial as they start to rebuild their lives. Every little bit helps.  Lastly, by providing these necessary items in a positive way, we are working to give with dignity, have an important dialogue, and continue to end the stigmas around a completely normal and natural biological bodily function.”
So far over 30 boxes of products have been purchased though Amazon.  The collection effort will last through Jan. 30.
Helping Women Period is one of several initiatives Holly ACTS has taken up since their formation in June 2020.
“In a short time we have held a demonstration in support of our postal workers, assembled a mobile women’s march that was our largest event to date that brought women from Metro Detroit all the way to Flint and joined together in unity. We have held an allergy-friendly food drive, lent our voice to the workers strike at U of M, worked on cleanups with the Headwaters Land Conservancy, collaborated with Flint Rising and Water You Fighting For, adopted some families for Christmas, and did lots of electoral volunteer work this past election season,” Watt said.
“We started off the year with this Helping Women Period Drive, and are currently working on a local memorial to honor the women who help build our town as well as the suffragettes who utilized Holly’s historic railroad system. We are blessed with a network of activist across the region that we work with and are always welcoming to anyone who is looking for a place to serve.”
For more information on Holly ACTS visit them on Facebook.  Items can be dropped off at Revive Sips and Sweets at 1006 N Saginaw St or at the Little Free Library at 414 Oakland Street. There is also an online Amazon Wish List.