Photo provided to the Times Observer Kendall Watts is holding a drive to combat “period poverty” called Aunt Flo’s Pantry. This year’s donations will go to A Safe Place in Warren.

An effort is underway to alleviate “period poverty” in Warren County.

Kendall Watts started “Aunt Flo’s Pantry” a couple years ago while a student at Clarion University.

This year’s donations are going to be sent to A Safe Place in Warren.

Watts, who lives in Kane, said she “started this drive to combat period poverty in my area as well as advocate for those who experience its effects. Period poverty relates to the idea that individuals who menstruate, do not have access to period products that allow them to have a safe, sanitary menstrual cycle.”

She acknowledged the challenge that just even talking about this subject can present.

“Period poverty, and periods in general, are not a topic of conversation that many people are comfortable talking about,” she said. “Most often, people associate these topics with embarrassment or shame.

“My goal is to bring attention to these topics and speak loudly on them. It is not something to be ashamed of, as it is a normal, healthy experience.”

She cited several challenges – education impacts, occupation, person and social life – that women can face “who do not have access to these products.”

The first drive was held in 2021.

“After the immense support and generous donations I received from the first drive, I knew this was something that could really take off, and it has,” Watts said. “This will be my fourth menstrual hygiene drive I have held. I have dubbed this initiative ‘Aunt Flo’s Pantry’.

Thousands of dollars worth of donations have been collected for women’s shelters and children and youth service agencies to date.

“I collect recycled boxes and paint them so they are visually appealing,” she said. Donation boxes are in place at several locations in Kane as well as at the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry.

Those looking to contribute funds can do so via Venmo to @auntflospantry.

“I use the money to purchase items that were not donated, or items that we have a low quantity of,” she said.

“As the initiative continues to grow, I can only hope to reach more people and encourage the topic of periods to be a normal conversation,” she added. “I hope to create a difference, at least locally, in terms of those who experience the effects of period poverty.”