In order to make up for the lack of donations, senior Gwen Garger organized a feminine product drive at South High.

Products were donated by companies like Playtex in years past, but this year, school nurse Laura Saliva said all donations have stopped.

“No companies are donating supplies anymore, and I don’t know why. Many years ago, before we received donations, I would buy feminine products. The problem with this was I had to buy them myself because they are not included in the nursing budget. I had to charge girls a quarter to keep this system going,” Salivar said.

Garger said that she searched for a way to correct the shortage of feminine products. First she talked to district administration; however, Parkway district will not fund a supply of feminine products for the nurse’s office. Because of this, Garger coordinated the donation of feminine products.

“I have gone to the nurse to ask for tampons and pads many times. Last year, I had to ask for some and the nurse told me that their supply was low. My idea for the drive stemmed from that,” Garger said.

The dates of the drive were Sept 16-Oct 4, and within that time enough products were collected to supply the nurse for the full school year.

“When I talked to people about the reasons behind the drive, many agreed that it was important. I know that [science teacher] Mrs. Scott and other kids from my clothing class donated a lot,” Garger said.  

Some people believe that this fundraiser was unnecessary because girls are responsible for bringing their own products. However, Garger said the nurse is an important resource for many girls that need products in times of emergency or for girls that cannot afford their own products.

“A friend of mine was in a tough financial situation for several months. She had to rely on friends for products because she couldn’t afford them and the school didn’t have enough to provide for her,” Garger said.

The nurse said that the biggest struggle the drive faced was the stigma of feminine products and discussing the topic in general.

“We were never going to get guys to donate to a drive like this. The topic of feminine products is so hush-hush in our society, and it’s hard to make guys understand since it’s not a part of their life,” Salivar said.

Garger said she wishes several things would change in regards to the topic of feminine hygiene.

“Every girl has to deal with a menstrual cycle, and I think it’s sad that most girls feel like they have to hide that fact,” Garger said.