Story by Paige Effinger, Staff Writer
Photos Contributed by Kristen Farley
A new campaign to provide feminine products to those in need was started this semester by a Murray State student, Kristen Farley.
Farley is a Murray native and started this campaign with her sister, Shannon Farley.
Clutch – There When You Need It provides feminine hygiene products in small makeup bags, or clutches. These clutches are stored in “clutch hutches” in women’s bathrooms.
The two got the idea for Clutch from an NPR story that discussed how school-aged girls were experiencing restraints to their lives due to the lack of feminine hygiene products. The sisters took it upon themselves to help fix this problem.
According to the press release, Kristen knew that no girl should have her academic concentration or personal pursuits put on hold for any reason, much less her menstrual cycle.
Fast forward to Feb. 23, when Kristen officially started Clutch. The campaign caught on very quickly. Within a week of their social media debut, more than 200 donations of clutches and feminine hygiene products were made.
“I’m very humbled and amazed by how much traction it has gained in the last month and a half,” Kristen said. “The generosity of western Kentucky has been amazing.”
She initially reached out to local schools such as Murray High School, but she is partnering with many schools in the area such as Calloway County High School and Middle School, Graves County High School and Middle School and Mayfield High School and Middle School.
“It’s a little intimidating, but I am still very honored to be the vessel in which this grows,” she said.
Anyone can donate feminine products or clutches or make a monetary donation to the Clutch campaign. They have set up drop-off stations at the Murray Art Guild, Vine Street Salon and Office 120 in Mason Hall on Murray State’s campus. There is a “donate” button on their Facebook page as well to make monetary donations.
Kristen is graduating next May, but she wants the campaign to continue after her time here at Murray. She said she is potentially thinking about making it into a club.
“I really want this to continue after I graduate, but I am not just going to stop after this is over,” Kristen said.