State Representative Susan L. Valdés (D-Tampa), in collaboration with Youtube personality Sharon “Just Sharon” Cancio, will be hosting a ‘Period Drive’ Feb. 27- Mar. 10 to collect donations of feminine hygiene and sanitary products at her District Office in Tampa to distribute to those in need. This will be her second year hosting this event.
“In 2023 it is astounding that individuals in need do not have access to basic hygiene products,” said Representative Valdés.” This drive seeks to educate and collect those basic products to alleviate accessibility and economic burdens.”
The event partners offered the following statements:
“The problem is periods are taboo, even though they’re a natural bodily function. This lack of communication and education can lead to low self-esteem, embarrassment and shame, and even period poverty. Our drive intends to make it a bit easier for those that need a little help,” said Sharon Cancio, known as “Just Sharon,’ a full-time Youtube content creator with 525,000 subscribers.
“Period poverty is affecting girls all over the world. We are so thankful to State Rep. Susan Valdes and Just Sharon for responding to the needs of our girls right here in Hillsborough County”, said Davia Lerebours, LCSW, Executive Director PACE Center Hillsborough. “This donation will ensure that girls at Pace have access to the menstrual hygiene products that they need.”
“As one of three Florida affiliates of the international organization I Support the Girls, we are thrilled to be a recipient of Representative Susan Valdes’ second Period Drive! This will allow us to continue to distribute essential items to local service organizations in Tampa like Tampa Hope, Created, The Joshua House, OASIS, Hillsborough County Migrant Education Program, migrant farmworkers, and The Spring (to name a few). Women and folx experiencing homelessness or distress deserve to stand tall with dignity. Thank you so much for your support,” said Nancy Blount, Affiliate Director of I Support the Girls – Tampa Bay, a nonprofit organization that has donated over 400,000 products to 200+ different social service organizations in three and a half years.
WHEN: 2/27/23-3/10/23 Monday through Friday 10 a.m. -4 p.m.
WHAT: Donation drive collecting feminine hygiene products such as pads, tampons, panty liners, menstrual cups, sanitary wipes
WHERE: Office of State Representative Susan L. Valdés
2221 North Himes Ave Suite B
Tampa, FL 33607
