Imagine only being able to change your baby’s diaper once a day in order to make them last til your next paycheck…
For an average infant, a healthy change of diapers is up to 12 times per day, and 8 for a toddler. For low income families, a baby can be in a single diaper all day, or longer. This increases the risk of skin infections and worse. A baby crying non-stop from being in a dirty diaper for a long period is more susceptible to abuse, especially in an already stressed household. Currently there is No “safety net” (WIC, Food Stamps,Medicare (except hospice)) that pays for, or provide diapers.
These are all facts that Marybeth Levine realized were present in our community and across the country. That is when she decided to form The Detroit Area Diaper Bank. Their mission is to collect diapers and donations for our community’s most vulnerable populations — babies from low-income households, the elderly, and people with disabilities. In turn, they then distribute them to partnering non-profit agencies in the area that work with families in need.
Currently The Detroit Area Diaper Bank is partners with 30 agencies in the Metro area. From family services centers, food pantries, child development and senior centers, there is a never ending need. Levine gets calls daily from agencies and individuals looking for assistance. (Agencies looking for assistance are encouraged to fill out their application form found on their website. Individuals seeking assistance should visit the how do I get diapers page. )
Just 9 months after it’s first delivery in April 2009, The Detroit Area Diaper Bank delivered it’s 100,000 diaper. Levine is very grateful to the community for all their support and donations in this short amount of time. This is testament that diapers are a never-ending need, especially in the tough times our economy is facing. The Detroit Area Diaper Bank relies on donations, diaper drives and fundraisers to continue to support it’s partnering agencies. For more ways that you can get involved, please visit their site.
