The Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania Council of Social Studies (LHUPCSS) club has been addressing period poverty on campus by placing baskets of period products in all gender-neutral and women’s restrooms.
LHUPCSS has been supplying bins since the fall semester of 2021. Currently, there are approximately 46 baskets across campus. The products inside them include pads, pantyliners and tampons.
The club is able to offer these resources through donations and grants. This semester, LHUPCSS received $5,500 in grants from the President’s Commission on the Status of Women and the American Association of University Women Pennsylvania.
“College is already incredibly stressful for students. Having the additional stress of not being able to afford period products can hurt a student’s academic performance,” said Ashley Kies, LHUPCSS president-secretary. “By providing free period products we hope to lessen the stress on menstruating students.”
If the baskets run out, each one features a QR code directing users to a form, alerting the club when refills are needed. According to Kies, the club resupplies the most utilized bins weekly, notably those at Bentley Dining Hall and Stevenson Library. However, less frequented ones are refilled every other Friday.
“Most of our campus is from low-income to working-class families. So personally, my goal with filling the baskets, and what keeps me motivated, is knowing that I am helping a vulnerable group of students who may not have much help from their family,” Kies said.
The club is always accepting donations of products that are individually wrapped. Donations can be dropped off in the designated bin outside Raub 212.
Students interested in joining LHUPCSS, being added to their mailing list or to arrange an alternative drop-off location can reach out to Kies directly via email at akk2416@lockhaven.edu. Their meetings are Thursdays at 5 p.m. in Raub 212.
