MACOMB — Throughout the month of July, the Women’s Health Task Force of the Democratic Women of McDonough County is holding their Dignity Drive for women and children in McDonough County. Donations of diapers, tampons, pads, and other feminine hygiene products can be dropped off at participating businesses during normal business hours until August 1.

Participating businesses include the following: Burton’s Law Office at 212 W. Carroll St., Dad’s Garage at 539 N. Lafayette St., and Your CBD Store at 833 N. Lafayette St. Suite 1.

All donations will be given to Loaves & Fishes, etc. Food Pantry, Western Illinois Regional Council, Samaritan Well Women’s Shelter, and local schools.

“We think this project is really important. It is wonderful to show up for people who don’t necessarily have somebody helping them. It’s truly an honor,” said Heather McMeekan, president of Democratic Women of McDonough County. “We’re very excited about this and the community response so far. We’ve had so many people offer to help. We couldn’t ask for a better response.”

McMeekan said that the drive did well its first week. According to Karen Lovell of Dad’s Garage, one generous donor even dropped off a carload of diapers at their location. According to a 2019 study published in the journal “Obstetrics & Gynecology,” nearly two-thirds of the low-income women surveyed were unable to afford feminine hygiene products and nearly half of these women reported being unable to afford both food and feminine hygiene products within the past year.

“Diapers and period supplies are basic sanitary necessities which are not covered by assistance programs,” said McMeekan in a press release. “Most charity organizations do not provide diapers, pads, and tampons which leaves many forced into using soiled supplies longer than is healthy, using alternatives that may put them at risk of health issues, or going without entirely.