West Ham United's women's team have joined forces with homelessness charity Caritas Anchor House to mark International Women's Day.
In order to mark the occasion members of Matt Beard's squad have donated sanitary products to the Canning Town-based charity, who work with various vulnerable groups including the homeless and those experiencing mental health issues.
Anchor House: the east London base for homelessness charity Caritas
As a result of austerity and ongoing poverty, it has been reported that some girls and women have been using paper-based materials and/or items of clothing to act as replacement sanitary products, which can be prohibitively-priced for those experiencing financial hardship.
Known as 'period poverty', the issue has become even more prevalent in recent years leading to organisations like Caritas seeking support from members of the public.
If you would like to contribute to this important local charity, there are a number of ways in which you may help. Whilst financial donations are always welcome, food and toiletries are consiered vitally important too - with the organisation welcoming deliveries at their Barking Road base.
Some of the items the charity will accept are as follows:
Toiletries: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash; hairbrushes, haircombs; shower gel, body wash; shampoo, conditioner; hand soap; deodorant; feminine hygiene products.
Foods: Cereals (including muesli, porridge and cereal bars); sandwich spreads (such marmite, peanut butter); preserves (including jams and marmalades); (non-refrigerated) fruit juice; canned and tinned food (including baked beans, vegetables, tomatoes, fruit, chickpeas, tuna, soups); jarred food (such as pasta sauces, curries, vegetables, pickles, condiments); packets of dried food (including pasta, rice, noodles, cous cous, lentils and dried fruits); sauces (such as ketchup and mayonnaise).
Caritas Anchor House may be found at 81 Barking Road, Canning Town E16. To make a financial contribution, please visit the charity's donations page.
* Something to say about this story? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.
