Students of a local Interact Club, a facet of Rotary focused on emerging young leaders, recently participated in the packaging of menstrual pads and tampons for One Less Worry, as well as a roadside cleanup in Rockport.

During the roadside cleanup, students picked up litter along a portion of South Street in Rockport.

For One Less Worry they filled 107 packages of menstrual pads and 190 packages of tampons at a “packing party.”

“At 20 per package, that is nearly 6,000 combined pads and tampons in just 90 minutes,” said West Bay Rotary, in a news release.

Interact is a community-based, self-governed, and self-supporting group of 12-18 year-olds who learn about the world by giving back. Adult mentors provide guidance while allowing participant leadership, volunteerism, and communication skills to develop.

Based at Camden Hills Regional High school, the Midcoast Interact Club is sponsored by West Bay Rotary and Camden Rotary.

“The club is open to all Camden Hills High School students and is a great opportunity to make friends while providing much-needed assistance to area organizations,” said Rotary. “New members are welcome at any time.”

For more information, contact hkarod@gmail.com,, joanlemole14@gmail.com, or marcijcasas@gmail.com.

One Less Worry (OLW) is a nonprofit organization that provides personal care necessities and grooming products while raising awareness of need and normalizing periods. In addition to toilet paper and personal care items, they provide pads and tampons to 22 locations including high schools, middle schools, food pantries, and community organizations. It is projected that they will provide nearly 70,000 pads and tampons in Knox County this year. For more information or to donate to One Less Worry, go to https://www.onelessworry.me/.

When asked about the Midcoast Interact Club, OLW’s Executive Director, Sharon Hobson, said, “We love all our volunteers! The enthusiastic students of the Interact Club have a way of making us feel privileged to witness their openness and generosity of spirit. Their multi-gendered participation gives us hope for the normalization of periods.”