Collection boxes are now in all Woolworths supermarkets for period products to be donated.
Customers are encouraged to collect all period products in their original packaging including pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period undies, reusable pads, as well as incontinence aids.
Share the Dignity founder and managing director Rochelle Courtenay said inflation causes a ripple effect and people struggle to make ends meet and the number of people needing support skyrockets.
The latest Australian Homelessness Monitor report shows services are providing more support to low-middle income earners who are struggling to make ends meet.
But as the cost-of-living increases, Share the Dignity has seen donations decrease.
Share the Dignity volunteer Simone Ispanovity will be helping to collect and distribute the donations in Seymour, she said the donations were essential to make sure women did not go without, however at the moment, she is the only volunteer for the Mitchell area.
“We are desperately seeking more volunteers. They can contact and apply through Share the Dignity website to help with collecting products, sorting and delivering them to a charity,” Ms Ispanovity said.
“Volunteers can offer as little as an hour of their time to regular shifts throughout March, August and November. It is very rewarding and gives you a sense of accomplishment knowing you are giving back to the community.
Share the Dignity’s Dignity Drives allow people to pay it forward and support women, girls and anyone with a period who is experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness, domestic violence or poverty.
Throughout March, Woolworths will donate 5 cents from the sale of every period product to Share the Dignity’s vending machines.
The vending machines dispense free packs of pads and tampons and are located in community centres, homeless hubs, charities, Aboriginal medical services, hospitals and other areas where there is a need across Australia.