The Sharing Shelf and the United Way of Westchester and Putnam are teaming up for our third annual diaper drive! Your support will help meet the need in our community.
Diaper need is a critical issue that walks hand in hand with clothing insecurity. Did you know that 10% of the children we serve are children under a year old? Nearly 20% – 1 in 5 – of the children we support are under the age of 3. We know that when we receive a request for clothing that these families have limited means to meet this very basic, daily need. It also means they are struggling to provide essentials like diapers and hygiene.
Analysts estimate that the average baby will use 6,000 diapers in the first two years of their life at a cost of more than $1,700. For economically vulnerable families, facing difficult choices with limited resources, this expense strains an already limited budget. As a result, these families take the risky action of leaving an infant in a soiled diaper for extended periods, leading to the infant’s discomfort and contributing to rashes and urinary infections. Working parents with infants in daycare often miss days because they do not have the minimal diapers needed to leave with their child’s caretaker.
Take action today! During September, we need your support – organize a drive for diapers and wipes, visit our wishlists (Target and Amazon) to purchase these items, and spread the word! Thanks to a recent generous donation, our biggest need right now are pull-ups in 2T through 5T-6T and wipes. Other items that help – diaper cream and baby lotion.
Do not let our annual drive limited your creativity – diaper need is a year-round challenge. Take a look at your calendar and add a diaper drive to it. Hosting an upcoming conference? Ask participants to donate diapers. Having a baby shower but you have everything you need? Ask participants to donate diapers for new mothers who need them. There are countless ways to get involved.
Questions? Email us at info@sharingshelf.org.