Many students turned their heads at the sight of a larger-than-life tampon replica parading at College Gate on Thursday. The poster board and cotton creation drew attention to the Women's Studies Feminist Undergraduate Network's relief effort for the female victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Thursday's Tampon Drive was the second of two fund-raisers that the student group organized to collect necessities that they said were being overlooked.
What is more basic than tampons? said senior Emily Maluski, a member of WSFUN. It's a big women's issue.
The handmade tampon-o-meter tracked the progress of the drive. People who donated feminine products or money were welcomed to spray red paint on the meter, but most people opted for a sucker.
The first drive was Sept. 20 at the Howard Hall site. Some passersby took offense to the tampon and the concept of the drive, said senior Sarah Kennedy, president of WSFUN.
Menstruation is very taboo
Kennedy said. I mean they make crinkle-free wrappers now. Why? Because you don't want other women in the bathroom to know you're using a tampon.
The members were very open and adamant about their purpose, despite the glares and strange looks they received. But, after a smile at the request, many women willingly donated tampons from their purses and men donated their spare change.
(The drive) is a beautiful thing because you don't think of hygiene problems said senior Bridget Schoeny. But it's so necessary.
WSFUN raised more than $210, as well as about 100 moist towelettes, 600 pads, 800 panty liners and 1,000 tampons for the hurricane victims. Kennedy said she was very surprised at the drive's success.
With the help of Judith Grant, director of the women's studies program and WSFUN adviser, Kennedy and senior Leslie Black started the organization during the first week of school in order to create a network of feminist activism within Ohio University and Athens.
Monetary or feminine product donations still can be made in the women's studies office in Lindley Hall.
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Katie Kuehn
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The Women's Studies Feminist Undergraduate Network collects feminine products for Hurricane Katrina relief Sept. 20 at the Howard Hall Site. From left to right, seniors Emily Maluski and Sarah Kennedy and junior Allie Nordman ask for hygiene products or m
