Ceallaigh Watts (left), Foundation Programs and Events Manager for St. John’s ICARE Foundation, with parishioners of the Episcopal Church of St Alban the Martyr during the church’s Menstrual Hygiene Day collection.
Photo courtesy of St. John’s ICARE Foundation
Women and families across the Rockaway Peninsula received free, vital supplies during the St. John’s ICARE Foundation’s Care and Comfort diaper and menstrual product giveaway held June 18 at the Episcopal Health Services (EHS) Clinical Learning Center.
The drive, which provided over 100 diaper bags and 400 packages of menstrual products to families in need, was made possible through a collaboration between St. John’s ICARE Foundation, Allied Foundation and the Episcopal Church of St. Alban the Martyr.
“We are so grateful to the Allied Foundation and the Episcopal Church of St. Alban the Martyr for partnering with us to meet these basic, essential needs of our community,” said Nancy Leghart, executive director of St. John’s ICARE Foundation. “Partnerships like this help the ICARE Foundation provide families in our communities with the support and resources they need to thrive.”
Heather Edwards, executive director of the Allied Foundation, emphasized her organization’s commitment to addressing diaper needs and period poverty in Far Rockaway.
“The Care and Comfort Giveaway is designed to provide babies and their families with diapers and wipes to keep them clean, dry and healthy, as well as period supplies necessary for safe, effective and dignified menstrual hygiene. By coming together, we can improve the health and well-being of those in the community we serve,” Edwards said.
Donna Jones, lay minister of the Eucharist at the Episcopal Church of St. Alban the Martyr, emphasized the church’s commitment to supporting the mission of the ICARE Foundation.
“It has been my ongoing joy over the past few years to partner with the ICARE Foundation as we continue the work of Christ in the Diocese of Long Island, especially benefiting our brothers and sisters on the Far Rockaway Peninsula,” Jones said. “Our parishioners have given incredibly generously by donating children’s books and mother-child supplies, helping to combat period poverty in 2023 and 2024 with our Menstrual Hygiene Campaign, and of course with our annual participation in Adopt-A-Family for many years. We are led by the Holy Spirit to help.”
Team members from Episcopal Health Services and St. John’s Medical Group also attended the event. They were on hand to schedule pediatric appointments, perform blood pressure screenings, provide information on maternal health, and distribute various health-related materials to attendees.
