Barry Fortune| Special to the Ashland Times-Gazette
ASHLAND - When Alaina Reed found out how difficult it is for some women to secure feminine products such as pads or tampons in a struggling economy, the Ashland High School senior did not simply shake her head and think, “that is too bad.”
She stood up and did something to help by establishing a Her Drive Campaign in Ashland.
More: Ashland County Women of Achievement recognizes Aliana Reed as an Ashland County Young Woman to Watch
“There are 16 volunteers and three of us that make up the head volunteer team,” Reed said. “Gabriella Eckrich is handling some of the administrative tasks and Elyse Reed (her twin sister) is creating the artwork for the drive.”
Started the local organization in 2020
Alaina started the organization in 2020 and the group has been distributing flyers and collecting items in major neighborhoods throughout Ashland as well as scheduling pick-up times for people who live outside of town.
AHS Principal Josh Packard explained what makes Alaina both a special volunteer and a better person.
“Alaina is always thinking about the greater good and her role in how she can make her community a better place,” Packard said. “Each year she has been in high school she has taken on different projects that have impacted our school and community. When she is done helping in one area she is always on the lookout for the next way she can help others.”
Elyse said the idea was hatched through the high school’s various projects.
“When collecting products for different drives through our school's community service club and National Honor Society, Alaina and I always noticed that period products and women's hygiene supplies were largely absent from the items donated, despite being vitally important for half the population,” said Elyse. “So when Alaina proposed the idea of hosting a drive specifically for period products, I knew I wanted to help.”
“I know COVID-19 is a struggle for everyone, but only able to do contactless pick-up has been a struggle to coordinate,” Alaina added on the unique challenges the past 12 months have added. “But I am lucky that the Her Drive Organization has been very flexible and easy to work with.”
Has received over 4,300 items
Alaina said they have received over 4,300 items simply through word of mouth from immediate friends and family.
“I am hoping to bring in over 2,000 sanitary products, 100 bras and 500 general hygiene and beauty products,” Alaina said. “The new goal is to collect 15,000 items.”
“I became a volunteer for the Her Drive organization because I know there are many in our community without proper hygiene products,” said Eckrich. “While I can’t single-handedly solve this issue, I believe it is part of my responsibility to use my own knowledge and resources to help.”
Pink taxes
Elyse went on to explain how and why this problem exists for too many women.
“This project is special because it targets such a specific issue in our community that is often ignored because of the continued stigma around discussing period poverty and pink taxes: the taxation of period products as ‘luxury goods’ in the United States,” Elyse said. “This is special to me because every woman, including myself and the other organizers, are affected by pink taxes and markups on women's products. These taxes can lead to women being unable to afford basic hygiene products, creating period poverty. I've seen this issue specifically while volunteering at domestic violence shelters, so I'm super excited to be able to donate the products we collect there.”
“This project is especially beloved because it shines a light on the issue of period and hygiene poverty,” continued Eckrich. “As someone who values education very highly, I believe it is important for our community to become educated on this issue so that we may all help in any way possible.”
Like any volunteer organization, it takes some time for the public to see the need.
“Getting the word out about the drive has been the most time-consuming,” added Elyse. “But it is also the most important part of the process. We've seen based on the donations we've already gotten that people are excited to help and donate if they're only aware that it's happening, so we've been trying our best to make sure anyone who wants to donate is able to.”
Elyse had very kind words for the work Alaina has done with the organization’s humble beginnings.
Motivated to do good
“Alaina is perhaps the most motivated person I know, and she is always motivated to do good,” Elyse said. “Especially while organizing the Her Drive, she is constantly thinking of ways to make donating easier for the community, like arranging contactless donation pick-up and appreciating our volunteers. Like making snack bags for each team as they collect. She puts her meticulous energy into worthy causes, including Her Drive.”
The organization has a link at https://linktr.ee/herdriveashland that supplies more information about Her Drive and a link to schedule a pick up. Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation can contact Alaina directly at alainareed@goarrows.org.
“The most satisfying aspect of the drive has been seeing the overwhelming support from volunteers, friends and community members on an uncomfortable topic,” said Alaina. “Period poverty is a rising issue in America because of the expense of period products and frequency people need to purchase them.”
“It makes me tremendously proud that our Ashland students care about making their school, community and world a better place,” said Packard. “I think when other students see the efforts of Alaina and others, it helps them see that they can make a difference as well. The inspiration they give others will lead to more projects from our students down the road.”
THE VOLUNTEER'S VITAL STATS
Name: Alaina Reed
Residence: Ashland
Age: 18
Years volunteering: One
Why volunteer? Reed saw a need for personal hygiene products for women and launched a Her Drive organization in Ashland in 2020.
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