UMSL education student Laura Wood organized a collection of feminine hygiene products to donate to local shelters. (Photo courtesy of Laura Wood)

When University of Missouri–St. Louis education doctoral student Laura Wood read a newspaper article about homeless women who struggle without proper feminine hygiene products, she felt compelled to help.

“It really struck me that a natural function of a woman’s body has become a hardship for some,” Wood told the St. Louis Jewish Light. “I had a hard time wrapping my head around that.”

After contacting local homeless shelters to confirm the need, she knew she needed to do something.

“You could hear the pain in their voices around the challenges of collecting the items,” Wood told the publication. “Often, when various organizations have hygiene drives, they wind up collecting soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, those types of things. Tampons and sanitary pads don’t often come to people’s minds.”

Wood plans to make the drive an annual event. To donate, call the 314-534-1010 or 314-772-4535.