To support families in need, State representative Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is collecting menstrual hygiene products and diapers to benefit the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry’s Women’s Empowerment Pantry through December 10.
“Accessibility issues with menstrual hygiene products or diapers can cause many long-term, negative consequences for low-income families,” said Hernandez. “There are countless, complex issues facing families today, but being able to afford necessary supplies for your own health, or your child’s health should not be one of them.
Hernandez is asking for donations of open or unopened packages of diapers in all sizes, baby wipes, baby food, formula, diaper bags, pads, tampons and panty liners. For a convenient option without contact, individuals can donate online through an Amazon Registry by visiting, bit.ly/womenspantry, or items can be dropped off at the following locations in Aurora:
• Representative Hernandez’s District Office, 540 W. Galena Boulevard, from Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m..
• Tredwell Coffee, 14 W. Downer Place #18, daily, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m..
• Endiro Coffee, 29 W. New York Street, from Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m..
Hernandez has been a strong advocate for increasing access to necessary products such as diapers and menstrual hygiene products throughout her time in office. This past session, she was a champion of several new laws that will allow for menstrual hygiene products to be purchased with public benefits and to be free of charge in schools, universities and food pantries.
For more information, please contact Hernandez’s full time constituent service office at 630-270-1848 or RepBarbaraHernandez@gmail.com.
—State representative Barbara Hernandez