Babies need diapers. Period.
But just because babies need diapers doesn’t mean they actually have them. In Columbus alone, 30 percent of children living in low income families are between the ages of 0-5, and they don’t have access to this basic human need — a need that, when left unmet, can lead to health concerns for both the baby and his/her family.
It’s unacceptable.
The good news is, organizations like Columbus Diaper Coalition exist to provide an adequate and reliable supply of diapers to babies, toddlers and their families. Distributing nearly 15,000 diapers each month to local food pantries and social service organizations, the coalition simultaneously helps families in need while also increasing the services other organizations can provide. Pretty cool, right?
Columbus Diaper Coalition has distributed 249,592 diapers since November 2013. This year, their goal is 500,000 (that’s a lot of clean tushies!). Will you help? It’s simple: If you’re in Columbus, you can drop off diapers at any one of the coalition’s drop-off locations. Not here? No worries: You can also make a monetary donation online and the coalition will supplement the sizes that are most in demand (currently NB, 5 and 6).
Of course, “the diaper gap” isn’t a problem limited to Ohio. Nationally, 5.3 million children aged 3 or younger live in poor or low-income families, and one in three American families reports experiencing diaper need. That’s why we’ve also identified nonprofits in New York City, Seattle and Chicago (the three other cities where we have offices) to support:
- New York City: Over half of children under age 3 nationally live in New York City (700,000+ to be exact). Baby Buggy is the largest diaper bank, also providing families in need with essential gear, clothing, products and services for children 0 through 14.
- Seattle: During the month of December, West Side Baby expects to serve 2,300 children in Seattle with items to keep them safe, warm and dry. That includes 80,000 diapers, 500 bags of clothing and more. Join their 2015 Joy Drive to help Seattle families facing crises.
- Chicago: Bundle of Joy Diaper Bank collects and distributes diapers similar to the coalition here in Columbus. You can donate online or host your own drive.
Give back. Give comfort.Do well by doing good … and donate some diapers!