Panty Drive Gives Some Dignity Back to Rape Survivors

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ROCHESTER, MI – Tiffany Piggeé-Taylor remembers what she was wearing the day she was raped, and how grateful she was that she didn’t have to wear a hospital gown home after reporting her assault to police.

That was in Atlanta in 2003.

Thirteen years later during April’s nationwide observation of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, the Rochester businesswoman is paying it forward with a panty drive.

“This cause is really important to me and I couldn't think of a more deserving charity to give back to,” Piggeé-Taylor said in a news release, adding that assault survivors either have their clothing destroyed by the perpetrator or retained by police, leaving them feeling even more vulnerable and traumatized.

She is working with the Assistance League, which provided her the new clothing in an Assault Survivor Kit, which includes basic clothing and hygiene items.

She’s collecting undergarments for the Assault Survivor Kits, and is working through the Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan.

New packs of Hanes Her Way or Fruit of the Loom women’s cotton briefs, sizes small to 2XL, may be dropped off at Piggeé-Taylor’s business, ME Beauty Studio, 309 S. Main St., Suite 250, in downtown Rochester, by April 30.

Last year, she collected 2,500 pairs of panties and $1,500 in donations.

For more than 20 years, Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan, a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization, has provided new clothing and necessities for assault survivors, so they have clean, fresh clothing in which to leave the hospital.

Last year, nearly 1,000 kits were provided to 37 hospitals and trauma centers across the state. The kits include a top, pants, underwear, sports bra, bar of soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb and shampoo.

"Hopefully, our kits will be a helpful step in the healing process for a survivor after their devastating trauma,” said Marjorie DiLiddo, the president-elect of the Assistance League. “We greatly appreciate Tiffany's support for Assistance League Assault Survivor Kits especially from a fellow Rochester business owner and one who understands the vital importance of this program.”

Donations may be left during ME Beauty’s business hours, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.