United Way Maritimes is launching Menstrual May in 2026.

Hundreds of women, girls, non-binary, and transgender individuals in our community experience period poverty. This means they don’t have access to the menstrual products they need because of the cost, where they live, or other social barriers. As a result, people might miss school, work, or social activities. In some cases, they could even be forced to use toilet paper instead of pads or tampons. Period poverty can take a toll on a person over time and lead to embarrassment.

Menstrual May is a menstrual product collection effort presented by United Way Maritimes, Truro, Tatamagouche and Stewiacke Libraries. We’re asking businesses and individuals in our network to collect and donate as many menstrual products as possible and drop them off at the locations below. Once the drive is complete, teams of volunteers will deliver the menstrual products to United Way donor-funded agencies and community organizations serving individuals who menstruate.

Donations will be accepted at the following locations between May 6-31, 2026:

• Truro Library –754 Prince St.
• Tatamagouche Library – 170 Main St.
• Stewiacke Library – 295 George St.
• The YMCA of Cumberland – 92 Church St, Amherst
• Dr Carson and Marion Murray Community Centre – 6 Main St, Springhill