Ending the Stigma, Meeting the Need: Local Period Product Drive a Success

May 31st, 2026. Blacksburg, VA. The Blacksburg Junior Women’s Club (BJWC) collected over 17,000 period products this Spring with help from the community in Christiansburg and Blacksburg.

According to the State of the Period 2025 “39% of teens indicate that economic pressure has taken a toll on their ability to purchase period products.” The BJWC held their first period product drive in 2025 after they were made aware of hardships facing many local students with access to period products. Many students were being supplied period products by school nurses and teachers who were providing them out of pocket.

Austin Ardron, Lead Nurse for Montgomery County Public Schools states, “Having the support of the Blacksburg Junior Women’s Club has been amazing! Not only in helping reduce stigma, but also in addressing a real and often overlooked challenge for students by helping bridge equity gaps that can affect dignity, attendance and academic performance.”

In just two years the club has collected over 32,000 total products and packed 960 take home bags for students for use over breaks when school is not in session.The club plans to continue supporting these efforts and host their third annual drive in Spring 2027.

The Blacksburg Junior Women’s Club is part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, an international organization dedicated to improving local communities through volunteer service. GFWC has state federations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. There are 21 International Affiliate Clubs in 12 countries worldwide. GFWC members are community leaders who advocate for domestic violence awareness and prevention programs, and efforts to support children. Volunteers work locally to impact their communities by supporting the arts, preserving natural resources, advancing education, promoting healthy lifestyles, and encouraging civic involvement.