The COVID-19 pandemic has upturned so many aspects of our lives and unfortunately some charities are also feeling the pinch.

Since it was founded five years ago, Share the Dignity has worked to end period poverty, distributing millions of sanitary products to woman who can’t afford to buy them.

But this year they find themselves struggling for enough donations.

The nationwide lockdown in March sparked panic buying and it unfortunately also coincided with the charities bi-annual collection drive. Local donations suffered as result and volunteer organiser Lisa Garlick is now urging people to give generously to Share the Dignity’s August collection drive.

“I saw empty shelves and empty donation boxes, so March hit the charity hard,” said Lisa.

“Across the Central Tablelands our collections were very low, and we couldn't fill many orders… it was very disappointing so we are trying to make up for it in August— well, we are still trying to make up for March really because we weren't able to supply what was requested by the charities.”

Locally, Share the Dignity donates to charities such as the Orange Aboriginal Medical Service, Mission Australia, Housing Plus and Veritas House, said Lisa, supporting women experiencing homelessness or escaping domestic violence.

“We are looking for any sanitary item; that's pads, tampons, incontinence wear, menstrual cups, or period briefs,” said Lisa.

“Until the 31st of August you can find collection boxes at Woolworths supermarkets Australia-wide, Terry White Chemmart, Macquarie Medispa in Bathurst and Orange, Orange Baby Kingdom and Molong Pharmacy.”

Throughout August Woolworths also donates five cents from every sale of pads, liners and tampons to help install and maintain more of the charity’s world first ‘Pink Box Dignity Vending Machines,’ which dispense free period packs to women and girls in need.

Lisa said they are also always looking for more volunteers to help collect and distribute donations.

“We’d love more volunteers, there are only three of us in Molong and Orange. If you’d like to sign up and register as a volunteer, you simple go to sharethedignity.org.au.”