In communities across the country, period poverty remains a largely overlooked issue, affecting the health, dignity, and well-being of countless women and girls. Determined to make a difference in the Tampa Bay area, community advocate Abigael Francois has launched Tampa’s Women’s Hygiene Drive, an initiative aimed at collecting 100 boxes of menstrual hygiene products for those in need. Partnering with I Support the Girls and driven by both faith and a passion for service, Abby is mobilizing individuals, businesses, and organizations to help address a critical need while fostering compassion and community support. In this interview, she shares the inspiration behind the drive, the impact she hopes to make, and how others can join the mission.
What inspired you to launch Tampa’s Women’s Hygiene Drive, and what motivated you to champion this particular cause?
Tampa’s Women’s Hygiene Drive began as a faith-led assignment. I attended an event where participants were challenged to meet a need in their community, and my specific challenge was to collect menstrual hygiene products for women and girls.
Initially, I planned to do it on my own, but I thought, “Why not invite the community to help and make an even greater impact?” I have always been passionate about outreach through my church, so turning this into a community-wide effort felt like a natural next step.
To maximize the impact of the drive, I partnered with I Support the Girls, an organization dedicated to providing essential items to women and girls in need. This partnership will help ensure that donations reach those who need them most.
The drive is not only about meeting a practical need. It is also an opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ through service, compassion, and generosity.
Can you share more about the issue of period poverty in your community and why access to menstrual hygiene products is so important?
Period poverty is a real issue that affects women and girls in every community, including Tampa Bay. According to the 2025 State of the Period Study, nearly 1 in 4 students in the United States have struggled to afford period products.
Access to menstrual hygiene products is about more than convenience. It impacts health, dignity, confidence, and opportunity. No woman or girl should have to choose between purchasing period products and meeting other basic needs.
By addressing period poverty, we can help ensure that women and girls have access to essential products while reminding them that they are valued and cared for.
Your goal is to collect 100 boxes of menstrual hygiene products. What impact do you hope this drive will have on the women and girls who benefit from these donations?
I hope these donations remind women and girls that they are seen, valued, and supported. Beyond meeting an immediate need, I hope this drive raises awareness about period poverty and inspires others to get involved.
Most importantly, I hope those who receive these donations experience the love of Christ through this effort and know that their community cares about them.
Even one box of products can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
What have been some of the most rewarding moments, challenges, or lessons you’ve experienced while organizing this initiative?
The most rewarding part has been seeing the community come together to support a common cause. Between donations, social media engagement, and the many people who have shared the event, I’ve been encouraged by how willing people are to help when they understand the need. Every act of generosity reminds me that our community cares deeply about supporting women and girls.
One lesson I’ve learned is that meaningful change often begins with conversations. Raising awareness about period poverty helps break stigmas, encourages action, and opens people’s eyes to challenges that often go unnoticed.
It has also been rewarding to see people demonstrate the love of Christ by serving others with compassion and generosity.
How can individuals, businesses, and community organizations support your mission and help make this drive a success?
People can support the drive by donating menstrual hygiene products, spreading awareness, and encouraging others to get involved.
Businesses and organizations can sponsor donations, serve as collection sites, or partner with me to expand our reach throughout the community. I am also proud to partner with I Support the Girls, which will help ensure these donations reach women and girls who need them most.
Every contribution helps us support more women and girls while demonstrating the love of Christ through service, compassion, and generosity.
Together, we can make a meaningful difference and ensure that more women and girls have access to the essential products they need.
Through Tampa’s Women’s Hygiene Drive, Abigael Francois is demonstrating how one simple act of service can spark meaningful change. By raising awareness about period poverty and providing essential menstrual hygiene products to women and girls in need, the initiative seeks to restore dignity, offer support, and remind recipients that they are valued by their community. As the drive continues toward its goal of collecting 100 boxes of products, Abby hopes to inspire others to take action, serve with compassion, and help ensure that no woman or girl has to go without these basic necessities. Together, the Tampa Bay community has an opportunity to make a lasting impact, one donation at a time.
Donations can be made HERE directly through the registry.
