Dignity Drawers helping to close period poverty gap

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. — A Jefferson County resident is helping to close the period poverty gap with her new organization.

Maranda Akers founded Dignity Drawers, which has been repurposing newspaper stands into spaces where people can receive free period supplies.

“This is just one less worry for people in Jefferson County,” she said. “Things are already so expensive, and nobody should have to miss school or work because they can’t afford basic hygiene products.”

Those in need can access pads, tampons, menstrual cups and more at a Dignity Drawer stand outside New Hope United Methodist Church, Lala’s Roast & Bistro and the DeSoto Farmers Market.

As a Jefferson County native, Akers said having this resource in her community is meaningful to her.

“I have known people who have had to roll up toilet paper and had to use just whatever they had necessary. And I just don’t think people should have to do that,” Akers said.

“Just because you were born with ovaries doesn’t mean that you should have to face a big inconvenience in life.”

Volunteers have been checking on the Dignity Drawer stands and keeping them stocked. With three already established, Akers said she and her organization plan to have 15 throughout Jefferson County over the next couple of months.

“None of this would be possible without the community, and so it’s been a lot of support from not just community members, but churches and local businesses as well,” Akers said.

Monetary donations can be made on the organization’s GoFundMe page. Supply donations can be made at the DeSoto Farmers Market on Saturdays.

Donation drop-offs at the other locations are in the works.

For more information, visit Dignity Drawers on Facebook.