More than 40,000 period supplies will go individuals in need across Central Alabama following United Way Hands On’s 2026 Period Supply Drive.
Held from March 9th to April 3rd in recognition of Women’s History Month, the drive was led by United Way Hands On with support from United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) and Women United. Donations from across the community will help expand access to essential hygiene products for individuals who need them most.
Community Support Drives Impact
The effort brought together individual donors, corporate partners, United Way partner agencies and UWCA staff. It reflected their shared commitment to addressing period poverty throughout our six-county region.
“We want to thank everyone from across our community who donated supplies, money or time to this effort,” said Rachael Upton, Director of United Way Hands On. “Period poverty is a significant issue for people throughout Central Alabama, and it’s encouraging to see so many individuals and companies step up.”
Support showed up in a variety of ways.
At the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), for example, students once again organized a campus drive to collect supplies, building on strong participation from previous years.
“It felt like a blessing to be part of this again,” Leah Johnson, a student who helped organize the drive, said. “Knowing the kits were going to women who might not otherwise have access made it especially meaningful.”
Local businesses also created opportunities to give back. Collins Law hosted a “girls’ night” event where attendees gathered to make crafts, enjoy refreshments and donate supplies. The firm set a goal of collecting 1,000 items and exceeded it tenfold, contributing more than 10,000 supplies to the drive.
From Donations to Distribution
After collection, Women United members sorted and assembled products into kits — 300 kits in all for distribution to our local partners where individuals could pick them up.
“Access to basic products like these can make a real difference in someone’s day-to-day life,” said Ginny Willings, Women United member and 2026 Steering Committee member. “Today was an easy way to give back to the community and address a local need.”
Shelters, schools and partner agencies will distribute these kits. Kits help individuals maintain their health, attend school and work and move through daily life with greater stability.
Meeting a Basic Need
Nearly one in three adults and one in four students struggle to afford period products. Without access, many are forced to miss school, work and daily activities.
Through efforts such as the Period Supply Drive, United Way is narrowing that gap by connecting communities to resources and ensuring basic needs are met.
And this work continues beyond a single supply drive. Our work supports individuals and families across Central Alabama year-round through a broader focus on community health and well-being.
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