To help area women in need of feminine hygiene products, Indivisible of West Central Illinois (IWCI) is launching 'Free Flow Macomb,' which is putting the products, at no cost, in a variety of public restrooms across the community.
According to Nick Guarino of IWCI, the group is filling baskets with tampons and pads, and as part of the new program, is seeking sponsors to help keep the baskets stocked.
'We received an unexpected generous donation in loving memory of Frances Hilton that allowed us to jumpstart this initiative sooner than was planned,' Guarino said. 'This is how community comes together to support each other. In order to make this a sustainable, long-term project the support of our community is essential and appreciated.'
The following businesses and organizations have agreed to have the baskets in their public restrooms: Casey's East, Casey's West, McDonald's East, McDonald's West, the Macomb Amtrak Station, Macomb City Hall, Ayerco, Circle K, Beef-a-Roo, Wendy's, the Western Illinois Regional Council, First Christian Church emergency food pantry and West Pierce Liquors.
Area businesses interested in participating, along with individuals and groups who would like to become a sponsor, can contact Guarino at (309) 259-1531. Donations can be brought to Chandler Park between 3:305:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Cash donations for the feminine hygiene programs are also accepted at the Thursday rallies.
The group has also put together a community resources map, available at tinyurl.com/CommResourceMap, which is designed to help community members locate food banks, donation drop-offs, public access gardens, feminine hygiene baskets and more.
