On October 29, the Bloom Aid club organized a successful fundraiser focused on raising money for menstrual hygiene products aimed at underserved communities. The event featured the sale of a variety of Krispy Kreme donuts during lunchtime, with proceeds supporting Plover International. This organization is dedicated to empowering youth to take action on hygiene access, restoring dignity through essential care and support in communities that lack these resources.
Bloom Aid’s efforts extend beyond Plover International, as they actively engage with the local community in Los Angeles. A notable recent collaboration was with Food on Foot, a nonprofit that provides meals, clothing, and resources to unhoused and low-income families. Julia Thomas, a founder of Bloom Aid’s Los Angeles chapter, mentioned that this year’s fundraiser successfully mirrored last year’s achievements, which was particularly encouraging given the challenges of conducting events during busy lunchtime hours.
Statistics from UN Women highlight a significant issue: one in three adults in the United States struggles to afford period products, with the situation being even more dire among teens of color and lower-income households. Thomas emphasized the often-overlooked nature of menstrual inequity, stating, “It’s definitely not the first thing that comes to a lot of people’s minds, but it’s a really important health issue.”
In their partnership with Food on Foot, Bloom Aid not only donated menstrual products but also engaged directly with community members. “We talked to them about different myths about menstrual hygiene and sort of helped out in that way,” Thomas explained, showcasing how the club’s initiatives extend beyond mere donations.
Looking ahead, Bloom Aid aims to deepen its partnerships with more Los Angeles-based organizations to further combat period poverty. Thomas expressed a desire for sustained efforts, saying, “We would love to expand and have a more in-depth and ongoing partnership with an organization in Los Angeles where we continue making an impact.”
This initiative highlights the power of community involvement and the importance of addressing menstrual equity, demonstrating that collective action can lead to significant positive change in the lives of those in need.