With the increasing number of families living paycheck to paycheck across the country and in Marion County, families can find it difficult to afford the everyday materials most people take for granted.

Women can find themselves in an even more difficult situation when they are unable to afford the feminine hygiene products they need. This can be particularly stressful for middle and high school girls growing up in those families. To help those families and women have one less thing to worry about, a Feminine Hygiene Drive has begun in Knoxville. Heidi Feldman, who began the drive, tells KNIA/ KRLS News even if young women have the products, they are still constantly worried about it. Feldman says girls might not be focusing as much in school because they are constantly worried or stressed about not knowing if they have what they need or not. Feldman says by conducting the drive she hopes to allow women to know they have the products they need when they are needed. She says if the drive can help women in Marion County even a little bit to know they have what they need, Feldman thinks the drive will make a big difference in a lot of women and young girls lives. The drive is asking for donations of tampons, pads, liners and new packaged women’s underwear. Donations can be dropped off at One Eleven Public House Restaurant as well as Real Fitness in Knoxville with drop off boxes available until Friday, October 27th.1 All donations will go towards helping families in Marion County. For more information contact Heidi Feldman at heidiraefeldman@gmail.com or call 515-554-1243.