The Junior League of Toledo is addressing the necessity of diapers in the community though the As We Grow Diaper Bank. In order to continue its mission of making sure local babies and toddlers have a healthy supply of diapers, they have open applications for distribution partners in the area.
Across the country, the need for diapers is high. The National Diaper Bank Network 2023 Diaper Check reported that 38% of families found affording diapers difficult, which increased from 26% in 2017.
According to a press release from the Junior League of Toledo, infants require up to 12 diapers per day. This adds up to a cost of approximately $80 per month, per baby. Diapers are not funded by government programs such as Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) and food stamps.
An insufficient diaper supply can also affect a family’s accessibility to childcare, since many childcare centers require parents to provide a day’s supply of disposable diapers.
Cynthia Marley, Junior League of Toledo’s president, shared that when parents do not have enough clean diapers on hand, it can lead them to make the difficult choice to not change a diaper frequently enough.
“There aren’t many resources available to families who need diapers; we are trying to change that. Wet and dirty diapers can cause severe diaper rash; which can cause skin breakdown, painful infection and behavioral changes”, Marley said.
The Junior League of Toledo has already donated 158,668 diapers to the community. They distribute diapers, wipes and creams to its local partners: The Getting to One Coalition, the Parent Empowerment Institute, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid.
The League is encouraging all social service agencies and organizations that distribute basic necessities to apply. To apply to become a partner and learn more information on the Junior League of Toledo, visit juniorleaguetoledo.org.
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