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BOGALUSA, La. – In a significant step towards combating period poverty in Washington Parish, Samantha Verret and her team at the Bogalusa Mill, in collaboration with International Paper and Always®, have made a generous donation to local schools. The initiative provided over 400 feminine care kits and essential copy paper supplies, aiming to improve access to menstrual health products for students in need.

Period poverty, a critical issue affecting over 500 million women and girls worldwide, including many in the U.S., impedes education, causes health risks, and leads to unnecessary stigma. Recognizing the local impact, the Bogalusa Mill’s effort seeks to ensure that no student misses educational opportunities due to a lack of menstrual supplies.

The donation, including period packs and 15 cases of copy paper, was distributed to Bogalusa High School, Central Elementary, Varnado High School, and Byrd Elementary. This initiative not only addresses an immediate need but also raises awareness about period poverty and its effects on our community’s health and educational outcomes.

Samantha Verret emphasized the importance of community support in tackling such issues, stating, “No one should miss school because they don’t have proper period protection.” This partnership between local industry and schools represents a pivotal step in providing essential support to students, ensuring they have the resources to attend school confidently and without barriers.