Delaware County Libraries, in partnership with the Delaware County Health Department and Teacher's Teammates, are taking action to address the rarely discussed but deeply impactful issue of period poverty. Launched on December 2, and running through January 6, 2025, this Period Product Donation Drive aims to provide much-needed menstrual hygiene products to those in need.
Teacher's Teammates, a nonprofit dedicated to providing essential supplies to educators in underfunded schools, helps ensure that students and teachers have the resources they need to succeed. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to equity and community support, particularly for those facing barriers to accessing basic necessities.
Period poverty -- the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products -- affects approximately 25% of women, particularly those in low-income communities, leading to physical, emotional, educational, and economic challenges. To combat this inequity and support students and teachers, Delaware County launched its first Period Product Donation Drive in 2023, and is expanding the drive in 2024. Donations will be distributed to ensure that free period products are accessible to those in need, breaking down barriers and fostering dignity and well-being.
Essential Items
The drive is collecting essential items, including pads, tampons, liners, and cleansing wipes. Donations can be dropped off at participating Delaware County Libraries, Delaware County Health Department locations, and various County offices. These contributions will make a tangible difference, helping to remove the stigma around menstrual health and promoting equity for all.
Delaware County Council extended its gratitude to Director Anny Laepple of Delaware County Libraries and Director Lora Werner of the Delaware County Health Department for their leadership in championing this vital initiative, and thanked Teacher Teammates for working to distribute the donations.
Drop off locations
Drop-off locations for donations include the Folcroft Public Library, Helen Kate Furness Free Library, Lansdowne Public Library, Mary M. Campbell Marcus Hook Public Library, Newtown Public Library, Norwood Public Library, Ridley Park Public Library, Swarthmore Public Library, Tinicum Memorial Public Library, Upper Darby/Sellers Memorial Free Library (Sellers and Municipal branches), and the Yeadon Public Library.
In addition to libraries, residents can drop off products at the Delaware County Health Department offices in Yeadon, Chester, and Eddystone, the lobby of the Delaware County Government Center in Media, Baldwin Towers in Eddystone, the Delaware County Department of Human Services in Upper Darby, and 2 West Baltimore Avenue Building in Media.