In a heartwarming display of community support and empowerment, the Interact Club of St. Vincent Girls’ High School recently organized a Feminine Product Drive aimed at assisting young, disadvantaged females throughout St. Vincent who struggle to afford essential feminine care items. The initiative, which gathered overwhelming participation from both the school and the wider community, sought to address a critical need often overlooked in discussions about female health and well-being.
The background of the Interact Club of St. Vincent Girls’ High School underscores a commitment to “Service Above Self”. As a part of the global network of Interact Clubs affiliated with Rotary International, the recently developed club has already been dedicated to making a positive impact in the local community. With a focus on empowering women in society during Women’s Month, the members of the club saw the opportunity to develop a Feminine Product Drive as a natural extension of its mission. The club aims to empower the youth in taking action to make a difference in their communities through service projects and leadership development.
The project aimed to collect a variety of feminine care items, including sanitary napkins, hygiene products, body care essentials, and oral hygiene products. These items, often taken for granted by many, are essential for the health and well-being of young women. However, for those facing financial constraints, accessing these products can be a significant challenge. By organizing the product drive, the Interact Club sought to ease this burden and provide much needed support to those in need.
The community came together to support the drive in an incredible display of kindness and compassion that far surpassed any expectations. Donation boxes were placed at several locations such as Massy Stores Kingstown, Coreas Hazells City Store and The St. Vincent Co-Operative Bank, which served as drop off points, for donations that were to be made outside of the school’s compound. Fortunately, donations poured in from students, teachers, parents and members of the public, demonstrating a shared commitment to supporting the health of young women in SVG.
Items donated included toiletries; such as toothbrushes, toothpastes, toilet paper, soaps, feminine hygiene products; sanitary napkins, tampons, liners, menstrual cups, menstrual tablets and body care essentials; such as lotions, deodorants, body washes, shaving creams, rags and combs. These items will be donated to the Our Lady Of Guadalupe Home for Girls, The Salvation Army, The Lewis Punnett Care Home as well as the Counseling Department of the St. Vincent Girls’ High School to assist several students in need.
Through the Feminine Product Drive, the club has not only provided tangible support to young women in need but has also fostered a sense of empowerment within the community. As we recognize the accomplishments of this drive, the club plans to continue striving towards community service and making sure that all young women have access to the tools they require.
The Interact Club of St. Vincent Girls’ High School extends heartfelt gratitude to the general public and the school community for their overwhelming support and generosity. Special thanks are also due to Massy Stores Kingstown, Coreas Hazells City Store, The St. Vincent Girls’ High School and The St. Vincent Co-Operative Bank for graciously serving as drop-off points for donations and for their invaluable assistance in facilitating the success of the project.