Notre Dame Extends Sisterhood Beyond the Campus Boundaries

For several weeks in February and March, Notre Dame’s girls plan and execute lavish games, decorations, performances and other forms of amusement that help strengthen their bonds as sisters.  Although the most visible, or audible, result of these efforts are enjoyed throughout Spirit Week and within the boundaries of Notre Dame’s downtown campus, others have a far wider and more impactful reach.  One, the Sister Project, will be bringing a very personal level of care and comfort to women and girls across San Jose for months to come.

The Sister Project, now in its second year, is organized by a committee of enthusiastic students and staff in support of Sacred Heart Community Service. Sacred Heart provides a vast array of services including food, clothing, and emergency financial assistance.  Although they are able to provide for many needs, one area that is commonly overlooked is that of feminine hygiene.  According to Lindsay Swoboda, Sacred Heart's Community Involvement Coordinator, meeting women’s hygienic needs can be critical in ensuring a healthy existence.  Many women cannot afford to purchase basic feminine hygiene products, investing instead in what meager food or supplies they can still afford. As a result, there is less concern and care given to this very basic necessity, which can lead to other health problems.

Notre Dame’s community of young women – compassionate, caring and not about to sit around knowing their ‘sisters’ were lacking these essential products, worked together to collect donations, promoting their cause through homeroom contests and activities.  The end result? An astounding 15,697 sanitary pads, 11,410 tampons, and 799 new pairs of women’s underwear – enough to meet the needs of hundreds of women for many months.

Last year’s donations through The Sister Project sufficed until the end of summer. This year Notre Dame succeeded in collecting an amazing total of 27,906 items! Sisterhood is an amazing and powerful force and Notre Dame’s community exemplifies that each and every day.