No one should have to choose between buying food and purchasing essential hygiene products.
Yet for many individuals across Central Alabama, that is a reality.
Through United Way of Central Alabama’s (UWCA) Period Supply Drive, the community is working together to expand access to these basic necessities.
For sisters Emily Stewart and Mary Elizabeth Mejia and their mother Kelly Carlton, supporting the Period Supply Drive is a natural extension of how they’ve learned to show up for their community — together.
A Shared Commitment to Community
Carlton, UWCA’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, joined the organization early in her career after working as a CPA. During her time at UWCA, she gained a deeper understanding of the needs facing local communities.
“I came here thinking it was just for a three-year, non-compete contract agreement,” Carlton said. “But I fell in love with the organization. I realized I lived in a bubble. I didn’t know how many needs there were in our community.”
That perspective didn’t stay within the workplace; it shaped how she raised her daughters.
“The biggest thing I want to do is pass on what I create so that somebody else can learn it and carry it forward,” Carlton said. “I feel the same way about my girls.”
Putting Commitment into Practice
Stewart and Mejia grew up around UWCA, but their understanding of its impact deepened through direct involvement. Both served as Loaned Executives (on loan from their regular employers for 12 weeks), supporting UWCA’s annual campaign through fundraising and community engagement.
“I always gave to United Way financially, but I felt myself getting slightly removed from the heart of it,” Stewart said. “The Loaned Executive program reminded me that it’s not just topics of hunger, shelter or safety. These are actual people.”
That shift is what draws the family to efforts such as the Period Supply Drive. It’s a tangible way to meet a need that they know exists — and a way to stay connected to the people behind it.
“I’ve seen the impact these products make in helping others feel whole,” Stewart said. “So of course I want to help provide that for other women.”
Supporting the Period Supply Drive
Now in its third year, the drive mobilizes volunteers and donors across Central Alabama to collect and distribute essential items to local partners, including shelters, schools and community agencies.
For the Carlton family, participating in the Period Supply Drive is one way they put their shared values into practice and turn what they’ve learned over the years into meaningful, hands-on support for others.
You can be part of that impact, too. Donate essential hygiene products or make a financial gift to support the Period Supply Drive now through April 3rd.
