COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – To help women in need affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is partnering with Support the Girls – Edwardsville to collect feminine hygiene products and personal care products through Oct. 16 at her constituent services office, located at 2105 Vandalia St. Unit #16 in Collinsville; the Edwardsville Children’s Museum, located at 722 Holyoake Rd. in Edwardsville; and the SIUE Department of Applied Communications Studies located in the Alumni Hall, Office 3112A.

“Like so many in our region, seeing the devastation of the recent hurricanes brings forth memories of the flooding and tornadoes that have hit closer to home,” said Stuart. “These women and their families are facing unimaginable tragedy. I am thankful to be able to partner with Support the Girls – Edwardsville and provide often overlooked necessities for communities in crisis.”

Stuart will be collecting feminine hygiene products to be sent to women in need in hurricane-affected areas. In addition to the three drop-off locations, residents may also call her office at 618-365-6650 to for alternate arrangements.

“Support the Girls – Edwardsville is a community effort in which generous people purchase these items out of the goodness of their hearts in order to share with others in need,” said Alicia Alexander, an SIUE communications professor and director of Support the Girls – Edwardsville. “Feminine hygiene products are a basic necessity that most girls and women need, but may have limited access to right now. Support the Girls – Edwardsville is taking these donations to women in crisis situations to help them maintain some dignity and give them one less thing to worry about as they rebuild their lives.”