On Saturday, March 21, the Girls Leadership Committee (GLC) set up a booth outside the CVS on Chain Bridge Road from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event aimed to continue the GLC’s yearly tradition of collecting donations while spreading awareness about menstrual equity and the club’s mission.

March, Women’s History Month, highlights the importance of supporting and uplifting women in all communities. This donation drive contributes to the month’s cause by supporting women’s matrilineal skills by addressing essential needs and promoting dignity.

“It’s a GLC annual tradition, where we stand outside and ask people to donate these products for a good cause,” said junior Alice Kim, Peership Director of GLC.

This year, the club collected over 5,000 menstrual products, all of which will be donated to local organizations supporting women in need.

“It’s a really important drive for hygiene purposes, financial purposes and to level the playing field for women,” said Kathleen Otal, sponsor of the club. “So, we collect [products to] donate to homeless women’s shelters and organizations throughout the area.”

The success of the drive was largely due to the members’ hard work and preparation leading up to the event. However, the club’s community service extends beyond this single day. Throughout the month of March, GLC placed donation boxes at various locations across McLean to encourage continued contributions.

“We reach out to various organizations and communicate with CVS, then we set up boxes outside different locations like churches and community centers,” Kim said. “And in those boxes we make signs for people to see and donate [products].”

Through both the CVS drive and the additional boxes placed around McLean, GLC works to advance its mission of uplifting women and promoting menstrual equity.

“I think the mission of this club is really important and fulfilling, not just for me, but for the community as well,” Kim said. “I hope to continue to contribute to this cause in the future.”