"Diaper Need" is a widespread problem that affects infants and toddlers in some of our nation's most impoverished communities. In 2010, Huggies diaper company commissioned a study that concluded "1 in 3 American moms have to choose between diapers and other basic needs like rent, utilities and food." According to the study, some parents resort to cleaning and reusing soiled disposable diapers to meet their diaper need.
An infant or toddler suffering from "diaper need" can spend a day or more in one diaper which can lead to serious health risks. Infectious diseases associated with infrequent diaper changes include but are not limited to viral meningitis, hepatitis A, shigellosis, and diarrhea. Diaper need can also be the result of a delay in a child's growth and development, social rejection and physical abuse. An infant or toddler suffering from "diaper need" may be shunned by their peers and others because of a wet or malodorous diaper. Soiled diapers cause irritability and this puts a child at higher risks of child abuse. A parent who is dealing with the stress of not being able to provide diaper supplies for their child may hit or shake a child who is crying uncontrollably due to the irritability of a soiled diaper.
Cloth diapers seems like it could be the answer and most probable solution for "diaper need." Unfortunately, many families struggling to meet diaper need, struggle most with meeting the supply mandated by daycares and early learning establishments. This supply can be as many as 30 disposable diapers a week, plus wipes. Cloth diapers are not accepted at daycare centers for health and sanitary reasons. When parents are unable to place their child in childcare, they are unable to pursue, obtain and maintain education, training or employment, thus continuing the growing cycle of poverty. In addition, families experiencing "diaper need" may not own a washer and dryer in their home and use public laundromats which prohibit washing cloth diapers in their machines for health and sanitary reasons. Public Assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) don't cover diapers as they are not considered a basic by these programs.
One answer to diaper need is individuals, agencies, organizations coming together as partners to eliminate this stalemate from impoverished communities. Here We Grow Foundation, Inc. opened The HWG Foundation, Inc. Diaper Bank on January 7, 2007 to serve all families residing in Pinellas County, Florida experiencing "diaper need". To date, the diaper bank has distributed diaper supplies to over 100 families. The diaper bank runs off donations and funding opportunities available with corporations and foundations.
You may not be able to open your own diaper bank, but the opportunity is always open to donate a pack of diapers, wipes or rash cream; give a monetary donation or volunteer your time at your local diaper bank. Giving not only builds communities but it feels good!
You can donate to The HWG Foundation, Inc. Diaper Bank by bringing donations to Here We Grow Foundation, Inc. 1171 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Dunedin, Florida 34698
Our Amazon Wish List: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/319IX1EU6GJ8P
We are seeking donations of diapers and pull ups in all sizes but needed the most are sizes 4-6 and boys/girls pull ups all sizes, baby wipes and rash cream!
Thank you everyone for your support!
