Did you know that one in three parents struggle to provide their children with clean diapers? The good news is you can help! Keep reading to find out more.
Diapers? That sounds familiar, doesn’t it? If you’ve been following this blog I’ve talked about diapers before in Medicaid: The Misuse of Your Generosity. Because you shared that post, the family in need of decent diapers received additional help from the companies in question.
According to the National Diaper Bank Network :
- 1 in 3 American families reports experiencing diaper need.
- 5.2 million children in the U.S. aged three or younger live in poor or low-income families.
- Infants require up to 12 diapers per day, toddlers about 8.
- Disposable diapers can cost $70 to $80 per month per baby.
- No state or federal child safety-net program allocates dollars specifically for the purchase of diapers.
- Without transportation, buying diapers at a convenience store rather than a large “big box” store can significantly increase the monthly cost of diapers.
- Most childcare centers, even free and subsidized facilities require parents to provide a day’s supply of disposable diapers.
That’s a lot of diapers and a BIG unmet need. When John first enlisted in the Army we had 3 in diapers, were on WIC, and struggling every month to diaper their little butts. My neighbors, on the military base where we lived, had the same struggle. Sit with that for a second. Military families were struggling to diaper their children… Not because we weren’t budgeting but because it’s $%#@ expensive.
Volunteering to Meet the Need
Volunteering is at the heart of who I am as a person. I love it and desire greatly for my children to fall in love with service as well. Being new to Florida and civilian life, I’m searching out ways to give to this new community we have landed in.
Of course, I didn’t have to look far. My cousin Torrie founded Babycycle Diaper Bank when her two children started to outgrow their clothes and baby gear. She struggled to find an organization that could distribute baby items to those who needed them the most. Instead of giving up, she made it her mission for no child to go without food, diapers, clothing or other necessities and Babycycle Diaper Bank, South Pinellas County’s only community diaper bank, was born.
Through the help of volunteers and partners, Babycycle Diaper Bank has helped thousands of families with essentials. They have stepped in to bridge the diaper gap, supply additional help to families following natural disasters like Hurricane Michael, and have lobbied to make diapers in FL tax free.
For those who wish to volunteer, host a diaper drive, or become a sponsor CLICK HERE.
Bollywood for Diapers
On May 18th 2019, Babycycle Diaper Bank is hosting their 3rd Annual Gala at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club and it’s a Bollywood Party!
Here’s some music to get you in the mood!
To purchase your tickets or learn how to become a sponsor GO HERE.
Auction
There will be an auction at the event so John and I are working to put together a fun basket that includes a copy of Finding Joy, a hand carved incense burner with incense, some other fun items and a gorgeous print that I picked out from the 2019 Ultimate Homemaking Bundle. The middle one is going to the Bollywood Party and Joy to the World is going in a basket for the 2019 Christmas Party (I’ll have to tell you about that one later).
It’s going to be a great party for a wonderful cause! Discover more at BabycycleFL.org/gala.
A Gift For You
While you are here don’t forget to subscribe and receive your free #MilesApart, a two-week devotional for couples. It’s a great resource to keep you and your partner connected when one or both of you have to travel for work.
