Over the last year, UJF packed and distributed 1,200 tote bags filled with necessary hygiene products by partnering with Dignity Grows, a national program that facilitates the packing and distribution of essential feminine hygiene products delivered to those in need.

Now, thanks to two grants received from Gen Re Insurance and Garden Homes Management, UJF and Dignity Grows continue to raise awareness and make a difference together across Stamford. In addition to these two major sponsors, Dignity Grows has been sponsored by monthly donors, friends hosting packing parties, friends making gifts to honor loved ones, and more.

“Each bag contains feminine hygiene products that many cannot afford but cannot live without! Dignity in a bag costs about $11 and we are grateful to our chairs Nancy Fahey and Terry Bernard for spearheading our local chapter,” said UJF CEO, Diane Sloyer.

“We are also grateful for a special partnership with Betsy Stone and Temple Sinai. Not only do they raise money and sponsor packs, they have offered to store supplies for Dignity Grows as UJF has run out of space in our new home.”

The Dignity Grows program began with the Jewish Federation of Hartford and now has local chapters in Jewish Federations throughout the country.

“We’re thrilled to have Gen Re and Garden Homes supporting Dignity Grows. Their grants provide totes to girls and women in our community who cannot afford basic hygiene necessities,” said Nancy Fahey, Dignity Grows Co-Chair.

“It's hard to imagine some women needing to forego buying food in order to buy menstrual and hygiene products, but that is the reality. Thankfully, UJF and Dignity Grows share the Jewish values of generosity and responsibility to help improve the quality of life for the people in our community.”

For more information or to get involved with UJF’s Dignity Grows, email Taly Farber at Taly@ujf.org.

This article appeared in the April edition of The New Jewish Voice.