The Derry Township School Board approved the addition of a new club at Hershey High School (HHS), Helping Women, Period on Tuesday, November 12, 2019.

According to board member Tricia Steiner, the Derry Township School Board applauded the students for bringing this club forward. She also explained the club’s goal to help disadvantaged women by donating feminine hygiene products.

After discussing the uniqueness of this club compared to existing clubs at HHS, the school board decided that Helping Women Period is unique enough to be its own club. 

Juniors Isabella White and Sarah Horn are the co-presidents of this club. White had the idea of starting this club at HHS because both her and Horn are very passionate about the betterment of women and women’s health. They believe as people and women that it is their responsibility to give back to their community and society. 

According to White and Horn, a few aspects that make this club original is that it is a volunteer club, it is a way to give back to the community, and it tackles a controversial topic of human rights.

“I’ve always been super passionate about human rights issues, especially women’s issues, and I don’t think that women should be out on the streets not having proper access to feminine hygiene products,” said White.

White explains that the club is completely separate from the Lansing-based organization Helping Women Period, but she did get the idea for the club’s name from their organization. 

HHS chemistry teacher Emily Hoover is the advisor for this new club, and the meetings will be on Wednesdays biweekly. Co-presidents White and Horn hope to reach their goal of providing homeless and financially struggling women with cups, which are period products that can be reused.