Wean Foundation will continue collecting period products to support Warren, Youngstown schools and Inspiring Minds
WARREN, OHIO—April 11, 2025—Community members generously donated 5,894 menstrual products in support of The Raymond John Wean Foundation’s Period Products Drive during the month of March, enough to cover an estimated 265 menstrual cycles.
Donated products were distributed to Warren G. Harding High School, Youngstown Rayen Early College High School, Chaney High School and Wean Foundation grantee partner Inspiring Minds. These organizations will provide the products to menstruating individuals who need them.
The Wean Foundation, which held the drive in honor of Women’s History Month, is grateful to have had partners in the effort. Gloris Counseling Services in Warren and DOPE Cider House and Winery in Youngstown also collected products to support the drive.
It is estimated that 1 in 4 students struggle to afford period products, which results in missed school days and activities. In 2023, Ohio passed a law that requires schools that enroll girls in grades six through 12 to provide free menstrual products. At the time, the state allocated $5 million in the budget to support schools in adhering to the law and reimburse them for products, but that funding is no longer available.
“From the Ohio legislation to nonprofits innovating in this space, we learned so much through this effort, most especially the significant need for access to period products,” said Wean Foundation President Jennifer Roller. “For this reason, the Wean Foundation plans to keep the drive going.”
A collection bin will remain in the organization’s lobby at 147 West Market Street in downtown Warren. Community members may continue to drop off donations of tampons, pads, liners, etc., in their original packaging, Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Community members are encouraged to consider donating at any time, but to keep in mind upcoming opportunities to engage, including Period Poverty Awareness Week, May 12-18, Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, and Period Action Day on October 11.
About The Raymond John Wean Foundation
Established in 1949, the Wean Foundation is dedicated to community building in the under-resourced communities of Warren and Youngstown in Ohio’s Mahoning Valley. The Wean Foundation leverages a dynamic combination of grantmaking, capacity building, convening and partnerships to provoke new thinking, strengthen communities and disrupt the status quo to achieve its vision: empowered residents creating an equitable Mahoning Valley. Visit weanfoundation.org to learn more.