The West Bend Current

Student-led initiative provides essential sanitary products

Many students using the girls bathroom near the West Bend High Schools library have noticed a new and pleasant addition, a free-use feminine product box.

Roxy Berres, a West senior, has taken the initiative to have women’s sanitary products available in the restroom at all times. After having past experiences where getting such a necessity was tedious, she decided to take matters into her own hands. The idea came to Berres in December and by January she started hanging posters in the restroom announcing her plans. The box made its official debut on Jan. 22.

“From past experiences, I’ve had trouble accessing feminine products urgently during school,” Berres said. Because of all the extra materials she owned, Berres decided to put them to good use.

Berres started this project on her own, hanging posters on the bathroom stalls and buying her own container. Her actions were completely unknown to the staff. However, secrecy was never part of her original plan. 

Last year, Berres tried to explain to a male administrator just how much of an issue this was. In Berres’ view, her troubles were hastily brushed off. She was told that the office would reach out, but that never happened. After numerous times of her requests being left unanswered, Berres finally decided to take the first step.

Once her plan was in action, Berres was called down to the office after assistant principal Kelsey Petersen caught wind of her endeavors. Berres was worried, but was pleasantly surprised when Petersen didn’t ask her to take the box down. Instead, the assistant principal asked questions and expressed support. She even put Berres in contact with a donor that could help with the supplies.

“I’m excited that our students have passion for things like this,” Petersen said. “The act was very kind and something I hope we can continue to have over the years.”

East ninth grader Makena Wettstein says the new service has already been a lifesaver.

“Sometimes I’m too rushed in the morning and I forget to grab an extra pad or tampon so having that there has helped a lot,” Wettstein said. “It helps me be at ease knowing it’s there when I realize I had forgotten to pack my own.”

Berres’ next goal is to expand this project to all campus girls bathrooms with a counter. With the support she’s been receiving, it’s only a matter of time before this act of kindness spreads across the rest of the school.

Berres has only one wish for those who decide to use these donations. 

“Respect the containers, and please don’t take more than needed,” she said. “Any donations are appreciated, yet only if you’re able.”

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(Photo by Liz Lewandowski, Current Staff.)