A popular fundraiser to collect feminine hygiene products is coming back to Chatham-Kent.
The United Way of Chatham-Kent & Women United is once again hosting Tampon Tuesday on October 18.
According to Individual Donor and Major Gift Associate with the United Way of Chatham-Kent Margery Muharrem, Tampon Tuesday will once again be done drive-thru style.
Muharrem said doing Tampon Tuesday as a drive-thru event has gotten an amazing response from the community.
"Pre-pandemic we were doing an actual event and putting pink bins across the community, then having to collect those bins and take them back to the United Way. This just makes more sense and the response has been amazing," she said. "We don't want to mess with a winning formula."
According to Muharrem, pads, tampons, and menstrual cups continue to be one of the most requested items for people accessing foodbank and social programs.
In addition to feminine hygiene products, volunteers will also be collecting other hygiene items such as shampoo and soap. If preferred, gift cards and financial donations are appreciated.
"We've also been asked if we can get any adult diapers for both men and women," Muharrem explained. "They are an expense as well that is quite high, especially for folks on a fixed income."
Muharrem said they've reached out to over a dozen local agencies, including the James Street Drop-In and Salvation Army, to see if they're in need of the products. According to Muharrem, many said they are low on supply.
Last year’s Tampon Tuesday saw more than 2,500 items donated for distribution to 21 community programs and agencies.
"It's gotten a lot more publicity, a lot more people are aware...especially right now with the cost of living being so high," Muharrem said
Tampon Tuesday 2022 will take place on October 18 at the Chatham-Kent Nonprofit Centre at 425 McNaughton Avenue West. Volunteers will be on hand to help with drop-offs from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Items can be dropped off in advance as well.
