​By Rayna Hasan

Thank you to everyone who came out in the early morning to support the Women's Giving Circle/Young Women's Giving Circle's "Break the Cycle" Period Product Drive Up & Drop off!!

Sporting our cowbells and handclappers in pink, YWGC interns collected period products from our schools, donors and the many volunteers who dropped by to lend their support to Howard County's women and girls! We were so grateful to receive visits from multiple delegates, including Del. Natalie Ziegler, Del. Pam Guzzone and Del. Jessica Feldmark!

As part of the Young Women's Giving Circle (YWGC), we are guided by the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County (WGC) in learning about and combating period poverty and women's health. Along the way, we have learned about the impact of collective action, philanthropy, and community and how to leverage them in order to make change. The "Break the Cycle" Period Product Drive Up & Drop Off is a prime example of this, with the donations going to HCPSS community schools. 

HCPSS community schools often have to rely on teachers, nurses, or other outside sources for access to period products. The many products donated through WGC's drive will support menstrual health for Howard County students and households alike. 

If you are interested in supporting our drive, you can donate directly to our Amazon Wish List - thank you!

Thank you to all those who supported WGC's drive, including our YWGC interns, WGC leaders, donors, volunteers, and our many elected officials, candidates, and moms who came out to contribute to the cause! We appreciate all of you!

There are moments when you can truly see the power of community in action - and today was one of them.

The Women’s Giving Circle’s Young Women’s Giving Circle (YWGC) Period Product Drive Up & Drop Off was an incredible success, but even more meaningful was the leadership on display. This single photo captured it beautifully: young women leading the way, standing alongside WGC leadership and elected officials like Del. Jessica Feldmark and Del. Pam Guzzone - all united in support of women and girls in our community.

This image reflects something powerful. It shows what happens when the next generation steps forward, when community leaders stand beside them, and when we come together around an issue that matters. Menstrual equity is not just about products - it’s about dignity, access, and opportunity. And today, that commitment was clear.

“What stood out most today was the way our community showed up - young leaders, WGC members, and elected officials all coming together around an effort that is simple, meaningful, and impactful for women and girls,” said Paula Seabright, WGC Grants Committee Co-Chair and Chair of the Young Women’s Giving Circle.

For more than two decades, the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County has been building a community of philanthropists to address the needs of women and girls. Through grantmaking, advocacy, and engagement, WGC has invested over $1.3 million back into the community - supporting nonprofit partners who are doing this important work every day.

The Young Women’s Giving Circle is a powerful extension of that mission. These high school students are not only learning about philanthropy - they are leading it. Through initiatives like the “Break the Cycle” Period Product Drive, they are raising awareness, mobilizing resources, and taking action to address period poverty right here in Howard County.

Over the years, this effort has grown into a meaningful community-wide initiative - collecting thousands of pounds of period products and raising critical funds to ensure that our nonprofit partners can meet the needs of the women and girls they serve.

“Today is a powerful reminder that when young women are given the opportunity to lead, they rise, and they bring our entire community with them. This work is about more than collecting products - it’s about dignity, equity, and ensuring every woman and girl has what she needs to thrive,” said Lee Draminski, WGC Secretary.

Today was a reflection of that impact - and a reminder of what is possible when we lead together.

If you weren’t able to join us, there’s still time to be part of this effort. Donations are still being accepted to support the purchase of period products for our nonprofit partners who serve women and girls across our community.

You can donate to the YWGC here and/or you can donate directly to our Amazon Wish List here - thank you!

Together, we can continue to break the cycle, and ensure that every woman and girl has access to the basic necessities she deserves. Thank you for your support!