HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — It’s an issue that many women and girls understand far too well, yet it’s rarely talked about.

High costs and lack of access to feminine hygiene products isn’t something that’s glamorous or fun to discuss, but it’s a serious reality. 

One local organization is reaching out to help young women as the school year begins.

Since 2018, Ellie Baguette has been on a mission.

“Our goal it to really help every Title I school in Hillsborough County with supplies,” Baggett said.

What started as a social group of friends has turned into a major source of outreach.

Women of the Ladies Heights Happy Hour helped collect more than $5,000 in donations in feminine hygiene products.

“Just in case they get their period and they can’t afford the tampons, pads, they can be expensive. So that way we want to make sure they don’t miss any school and they can have what they need,” Baggett said.

Her passion for this project started after leaving the bathroom at a local middle school.

“A friend of mine is the school psychologist there and I came out and said to her ‘there are no paper towels in the bathroom’. I was annoyed and she said ‘well you know why is because a lot of these girls will use these paper towels because they can’t afford pads’,” she said.

This year, the ladies are helping more than 24 schools.

Getting around to all those schools can be tough, so the ladies are stepping in to help make drop-offs.

“I remember being in school and having the need for these things and not having something like this, so it’s wonderful that it’s happening,” said Wendy Isler.

“It’s really cool to be part of an organization where we’re women that have a lot of fun together but we’re actually able to give back to the community as well,” Liz Hudson said.

“It’s got to be the neighborhood coming together to support our teachers and their students,” Baggett said.