Naperville Allies pack care kits in support of International Women’s Day
More than 40 women celebrated International Women’s Day this week by packing 350 care kits to be donated to patients at Planned Parenthood facilities across the state.
The kits offer a bottle of water, fuzzy socks, packets of hot chocolate, granola bars, feminine hygiene pads and a handwritten note of encouragement.
The event Wednesday at the Naperville Municipal Center was sponsored by the Naperville Allies, which includes the League of Women Voters of Naperville, Illinois NOW, AAUW Naperville and the National Council of Jewish Women Chicago North Shore.
The Naperville Allies wanted to put something together for International Women’s Day — a global day recognizing the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women — that would reach beyond the borders of the city, said Shoshana Frank, director of advocacy for the Jewish women’s council.
The hope is the care kit packing sparks other actions in Naperville and around the area, she said.
Before the packing began, Frank updated the group on the significance of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade and what the allies can do support legalized abortion.
Because Illinois is surrounded by states where abortion is restricted, Planned Parenthood is expecting an influx of 30,000 out-of-state residents seeking abortions, she said.
What they can do, she said, is educate, improve accessibility and help fund the travel costs for those coming from other states.
Susan Craighead, president of the Naperville LWV, said she was pleasantly surprised by the turnout.
“It shows a lot about Illinois women, that they care,” Craighead said.
