We are a group of female youth in the DC area who are passionate about ending the global issue of period poverty. We make up the Period Advocacy Committee at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, which focuses on advocating for this issue in our immediate communities. This year, we chose to grow our movement by building a presence on social media to reach a wider audience than ever before (please follow our account @columbas_period_committee here). This February, for the fifth year in a row, we are conducting a period product drive to collect products for unhoused women in DC.

Period poverty is defined as the lack of access to menstrual products like pads and tampons. This is a significant issue that affects low-income and unhoused women in DC. As young women, we know the critical value of these products. We are extremely passionate about ending period poverty and destigmatizing menstrual health in general.

Last year, we collected just under 300 boxes of pads and tampons and $2,000 on GoFundMe. This year, we hope to raise $2,500 as part of our 2026 Annual Period Product Drive. These funds will go toward our overarching goal of 300 unopened boxes of pads and tampons by the end of February.

All monetary donations will be used to purchase items from Mary's Center's Feminine Hygiene Wishlist. If you would prefer to provide items yourself as part of this effort, please bring them to St. Columba’s Episcopal Church on 4201 Albemarle Street NW on February 1st, February 8th, or February 15th between 9am-12pm. If you can’t make it to any of those dates, please message us to arrange pickup of your items (we’re happy to accommodate!). All donatable items collected will be delivered directly to Mary's Center in early March. By donating to this campaign, you are helping hundreds of women access these vital products. Please share this campaign if you can't donate, anything is appreciated. Thank you for your generosity!