The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Middlesex United Way volunteers help at diaper drive
To date, bank has supplied 20 million free ones to needy families
MIDDLETOWN — With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it is natural to think fondly of our memories growing up or being fortunate enough to be parents ourselves. Being a new parent is one of the toughest challenges anyone can take on, and while it is extremely rewarding, it is often composed of sleepless nights and multitasking.
From diapers to day care, expenses add up quickly and often force parents to make some financial cuts just to get by. If this sounds like you or someone you may know, we are happy to share a bit of good news.
Since 2004, The Diaper Bank, a local nonprofit out of New Haven, has committed to helping provide struggling families with new, clean diapers. Diapers are not offered through services like WIC and SNAP benefits, but are crucial in bringing up a young child. The Diaper Bank is a centralized fundraiser that distributes free diapers through existing service providers, including local food pantries, soup kitchens, day-care centers, social service agencies and shelters.
When young children do not have consistent access to diapers, they are at an increased health risk, and their parents may face legal troubles for neglect. The diaper bank focuses on keeping the children in our community clean, happy and healthy.
Back in 2009, Middlesex United Way, along with other community partners, began the cooperative effort to bring the Diaper Bank to Middlesex County. We all worked together to advocate for funding, explain the importance of the program, and encouraged community members to give. We acted as The Diaper Bank’s local fundraising, public awareness and public advocacy partner, and worked together to collect diapers, organize volunteers, and spent hours sorting and disbursing diapers to local distribution centers.
Middlesex United Way provided $10,000 of the $25,000 needed to become a service area of The Diaper Bank. This is proof that when we work together and pool our resources, we can help a deserving cause get the jump start needed for success.
To date, the Diaper Bank has distributed statewide more than 20 million free diapers to limited income families through its extensive network of more than 60 agencies in New Haven, Hartford, Fairfield, Middlesex and Windham Counties.
Four of these diaper distributions locations are here in Middlesex County. In Middlesex County alone, over 125,000 diapers are collected and provided to individuals in need through Middlesex Hospital Early Head Start, Middlesex Hospital Family Advocacy, Middletown Adult Education, and Middletown Family Wellness Center each year.
Currently, the Diaper Bank is in need of size 5 and 6 diapers. If you would like to get involved or receive more information on donating or receiving help, please contact the Diaper Bank at 203-9347009 or info@thediaperbank.org.