Donations from our Diaper Drop will go to the Diaper Bank of North Carolina!
Letter to our Consignors and Shoppers:
As parents, we can all understand the need for children to have enough clean diapers. But did you know that existing safety-net programs such as WIC and food stamps do not cover diapers? With the cost of diapers averaging $100 per month, this leaves families living in poverty struggling to afford the diapers their children need to stay healthy and comfortable.
The impact is significant.
In low-income households, babies and toddlers often spend the entire day or longer in the same diaper. Inadequate diaper changing increases the risk of numerous health problems including severe diaper rash and skin infections, and may be linked to an increased rate of hepatitis.
Discomfort caused by inadequate diaper changing increases distress and crying. Studies show that a baby crying for a prolonged period may be at greater risk of physical abuse by caregivers.
Most childcare facilities require that parents leave a full day’s supply of disposable diapers. Families that cannot afford to do so are unable to take advantage of childcare, including free or subsidized programs. This creates additional problems of work and school absenteeism.
At Kidcycle, we have responded by hosting a Diaper Drop collection during our sales. The wonderful support of this effort by our consigners and shoppers inspired Kidcycle to do more. In January of this year, Kidcycle provided a generous start-up donation to create The Diaper Bank of North Carolina, ensuring that children living in poverty receive the diapers they need.
The Diaper Bank partners with established family-support organizations such as Welcome Baby and Healthy Families Durham to distribute diapers to low-income families. In addition, we provide emergency diaper kits to meet immediate needs, and offer guidance and administrative support for diaper drives. Beginning in our community, The Diaper Bank will create a model that we can replicate and support in every county in North Carolina.
Our goal is not only to address the unmet need for diapers, but also to advocate for recognition of diapers as a basic human need all children deserve.
To learn more about The Diaper Bank of North Carolina or to support our mission of helping North Carolina families, please contact at: info@diaperbanknc.org
