Northport-East Northport women lead annual Galentine’s Toiletry Drive to support LI Cares

For the third year in a row, the Northport-East Northport team of 100 Women of Huntington is leading a community-wide hygiene drive to support neighbors in need.

Three years ago, members of 100 Women of Huntington learned that food pantries are unable to use grant funding to purchase toiletries, including essentials like feminine care products (such as tampons and pads), shampoo and conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste and deodorant. In response, the Northport-East Northport team launched the annual Galentine’s Toiletry Drive, collecting personal care items for donation to Long Island Cares’ Huntington Station pantry.

“Dignity shouldn't be a luxury,” said Eileen Gorman, Northport-East Northport team leader for 100 Women of Huntington. “After learning that traditional funding often fails to cover essential hygiene products, we stepped in to support women and girls in Huntington so they don’t have to go without. When we support each other, our entire community thrives,” she said. 

Last year alone, more than 400 pounds of hygiene products were collected, organized and donated. The need is significant.

“Our neighbors visiting our Long Island Cares Huntington Station Food Pantry are extremely grateful for the personal care items received,” said Dali Boczek, Director of Satellite Services at Long Island Cares. “The 100 Women of Huntington organization has become one of our most committed donors. They realized the importance of having feminine hygiene products available for distribution.”

Long Island Cares, also known as the Harry Chapin Food Bank, works to improve food security for families, sponsor programs that promote self-sufficiency, and educate the public about the causes and consequences of hunger on Long Island. The Huntington Station location is at 220 Broadway and is open Monday through Friday.

A major focus of the Galentine’s drive is addressing period poverty – the inability to access or afford menstrual products, sanitation facilities or hygiene education. Nationally, nearly 1 in 4 students struggle to afford period products, and 1 in 3 adults are estimated to experience period poverty. The consequences can include missed school or work, health risks and the unsafe rationing or substitution of feminine products such as tampons.

100 Women of Huntington, which has raised more than $130,000 for local nonprofits since launching in March 2023, meets quarterly with each member committing to donate $100 per meeting toward a voted-upon organization. In addition to those collective donations, members spearhead initiatives like the Galentine’s Toiletry Drive to address specific community needs.

This year’s drive includes an Amazon Wish List as well as three drop-off locations: 14 Middleville Road, Northport; 42 Sea Cove Road, Northport; and 40 Timber Ridge Drive, Huntington.

Donations will be collected through the end of February.