A coffee shop on Division Street has announced a day of charity action, encouraging people to exchange unused or unopened hygiene products for a free coffee.
The scheme, taking place on December 6, is part of a three-year-partnership between 200 Degrees and the charity Switch-Up.
All donations will go to the charity which supports young people from deprived backgrounds and aims to break the offending and re-offending cycle.
It hopes to deter young people from a life of violence through mentoring, counselling, and sports sessions which will help transition some of the most vulnerable people to education and employment.
Siobhan Lloyd, marketing manager of the popular Sheffield coffee shop, said the idea was sparked by conversations about Period Poverty and the high prices of sanitary towels and tampons.
Ms Lloyd said: “People just can’t afford basic hygiene.
“It’s really important that businesses are supporting charities in this time. It’s especially hard for charities at the moment and if businesses have the mechanisms to support people, everyone should be doing something like this. Charities are relying on help from business.”
200 degrees has also launched its own brand of coffee which can be freshly ground in store or bought in pod-form. Profits from sales of the coffee will also go to Switch-Up.
Cosmetics retailer, Lush, has donated to the cause alongside some of the coffee chain’s wholesale customers and Ms Lloyd hopes the scope of the initiative will grow in coming years.
She said: “People often come in a day or two before so we often find the impact of the campaign goes further than the one day.”
Personal hygiene products can range from toilet roll, to shower gel, to a toothbrush and toothpaste and will make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged young people.
