Employee volunteers at the International Paper (NYSE: IP) New Bern Mill gathered to assemble over 350 feminine hygiene kits as a part of a United Way Worldwide (UWW) and International Paper initiative to end period poverty. The local event was held at the New Bern Mill and benefited the United Way of Coastal Carolina.
With COVID-19 preventative measures in place and practiced, the International Paper volunteers packed kits in under one hour that included some of International Paper’s own customers. Kits included regular pads, pantiliners, feminine wipes and a note of encouragement, packaged in an International Paper kraft paper bag.
“This was a very fulfilling experience for me, and it helped broaden my perception of the vast amount of community need that exists beyond my own four walls,” said Greg Elliott, front line leader, New Bern Mill. “There is so much we can do as individuals and as a community united, and it is incumbent upon us to look for those instances and do all that we can to help those that are in need.”
Period poverty affects more than 40 million women and girls worldwide, meaning disadvantaged women and girls around the world and in our communities lack access to sanitary products, feminine hygiene education, toilets, handwashing facilities or waste management during their menstrual cycles. Poor menstrual hygiene can cause physical health risks and can lead to reproductive problems, and this partnership with Untied Way Worldwide is just one way International Paper is dedicated to addressing critical needs in the communities where employees live and work by mobilizing its people, products and resources.
Submitted by Sherwood Crawford on behalf of Sandra Phelps, United Way of Coastal Carolina