Small Acts of Kindness Can Meet Essential Needs
What can a group of high school students do to support women experiencing hardship?
At Art & Design High School in New York City, students showed that meaningful change often begins with a simple idea.
Through a student-led donation drive, they collected essential hygiene products that will help women and families in shelters and community organizations across New York and New Jersey access everyday necessities with dignity.
Why Are Hygiene Products So Important?
For many women experiencing financial hardship, personal hygiene products are not always affordable.
Items such as sanitary pads, tampons, soap, and towels are everyday essentials, yet they are often unavailable for individuals staying in shelters or navigating difficult life transitions.
When basic hygiene needs go unmet, it can affect health, comfort, confidence, and daily routines.
Community donations help fill these gaps by providing practical support exactly when it is needed most.
Spreading the word on social media — photo from @artanddesignhspta (Instagram)
Students Turned Compassion Into Action
From April 1 through May 2, members of the Discussions for Democracy Club at Art & Design High School organized a campus-wide donation drive.
Together with support from the school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA), students encouraged classmates and families to donate:
- Menstrual pads
- Tampons
- Soap
- Towels
- Other essential hygiene supplies
On May 13, student representatives delivered the collected items to GFoundation’s New York office, where they were prepared for distribution through partner shelters and community organizations serving women and families in New York and New Jersey.
Why Youth-Led Service Matters
Community service teaches students that even small actions can create meaningful change.
The Art & Design High School students showed that compassion, leadership, and teamwork can improve the lives of others while inspiring more people to get involved.
Their generosity reminds us that everyone has the ability to support their neighbors.
You Can Make a Difference Too
Inspired by these students? You can help ensure safe periods for women and girls in need. Click to see how you can get involved:
- Donate to support our safe menstruation program
- Send in-kind gifts or purchase from our Amazon Wishlist
- Organize a fundraiser on GoFundMe, at your school, workplace, or church—let us know, and we’ll be happy to support you!
What these students did isn’t easy—but it proves that anyone can take action.
Together, we can make periods safe, dignified, and accessible for all.
