Access to period products is something many people take for granted. For many women and girls across Central Alabama, however, those essential items remain difficult to afford.
To help address that need, Collins Law partnered with United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) during the 2026 Period Supply Drive, collecting more than 10,000 menstrual and hygiene products for individuals experiencing period poverty.
The woman-owned, woman-led law firm exceeded its original goal of 4,000 items with support from employees, clients and community members.
“We are a woman-owned, woman-led, woman-operated firm, so this project just made sense to us,” said April Collins, Founding Attorney of Collins Law. “Being able to help women and girls in our community in this way was a meaningful opportunity to give back.”
Those donations helped create 500 period supply kits, some of which were distributed through A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club, a United Way partner agency.
Each kit included panty liners, pads, tampons, hygiene wipes, hand sanitizer and waste bags. The supplies will help young people access products that many families struggle to afford.
Meeting an Important Need
Period poverty affects people throughout Central Alabama. Nearly one in three adults and one in four students report struggling to afford period products. Two in five teens report wearing products longer than recommended because they lack access to replacements.
Through its annual Period Supply Drive, UWCA collects and distributes products through schools, shelters and community agencies across Central Alabama.
“Access to resources, whether it’s food, school supplies or feminine hygiene products, is incredibly important,” said Sydney Newbold of United Way of Central Alabama. “We want to help fill the gaps wherever they appear in our community. It’s also important to find partners who are passionate about creating solutions, and Collins Law has been an incredible partner in this effort.”
Community Partners Working Together
A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club received a portion of the kits assembled during the event, helping ensure local youth have access to essential supplies.
“A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club depends on support from the community to provide opportunities and resources for our youth,” said Alice Moore, Resource Development Manager for A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club. “These kits give our kids access to items they may not otherwise have, and we’re grateful for partners like Collins Law and United Way who are helping meet those needs.”
UWCA will distribute additional products collected during the drive through other partner agencies across Central Alabama. Together, those efforts will help more women and girls attend school, participate in daily activities and navigate life with dignity.