When Leah Johnson and Judie Colon-Perez began a class project at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), they did not expect it to grow into an effort that collected more than 4,000 menstrual products in just a few days.
Leah, a junior majoring in nursing, and Judie, a junior majoring in psychology, enrolled in a psychology course that was focused on community service and required students to partner with a nonprofit organization.
“For the assignment, we researched period poverty and organizations working to address it,” Leah said. “That is when we kept coming across United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) and realized this was a bigger issue than we originally thought.”
Their research reflected a growing reality across communities nationwide. Nearly one out of three adults and one out of four students struggle to afford period products. Two out of five teens report wearing period products longer than recommended because they lack access, putting their health at risk.
Without these essentials, many people are forced to miss school, work and daily activities.
Turning Research into Real-World Action
With guidance from United Way Hands On, Leah and Judie partnered with Rachael Upton, Director of Volunteer Engagement at Hands On, and LaDonnya VanHorn, Volunteer Engagement Manager, to bring the project to life. Together, they organized a period supply drive at UAB’s School of Nursing.
“They helped us every step of the way,” Judie said. “Rachael and LaDonnya helped us coordinate everything, from securing space to packing supplies and organizing the drive itself. They helped us understand what it takes to run a supply drive and how these items would directly impact people in the community.”
Upton described Leah and Judie as wonderful to work with, saying they jumped in, asked great questions and genuinely cared about making a difference.
A Community That Answered the Call
Despite a short timeline and limited space, the community responded. In just four days, donors contributed more than 4,000 menstrual products. UAB students assembled more than 200 period supply kits that were distributed through United Way Hands On to support women and individuals experiencing housing instability in Central Alabama.
“It felt like a blessing to be part of this,” Leah said. “Knowing the kits were going to women who might not otherwise have access to these products made it especially meaningful.”
Building Momentum for the Future
Leah and Judie have already met with Hands On to plan another supply drive. This time, they will expand to additional buildings around UAB’s campus and extend the collection period.
Their work is part of a larger community wide effort to address period poverty. During March, which is Women’s History Month, United Way Hands On, together with United Way of Central Alabama and Women United, will host the 2026 Period Supply Drive from March 9th through March 27th.
Community members are invited to get involved and help ensure that individuals across United Way of Central Alabama’s six-county footprint have access to essential menstrual and hygiene products.
“If you feel like you can make a positive change, do it,” Judie said. “It does not have to be something big. Just give back when you can.”