Did you know that parents spend anywhere from $800 to over $1,000 a year on diapers?
This essential need for babies, like many other essential needs, continues to climb in price.
The Diaper Bank for Northeast Florida, a not-for-profit founded locally by Crystal Parks five years ago, aims to raise awareness that diapers are a “basic human need” and works to fill the gap for those who need diapers but can’t afford them.
“As a mother, I understand the importance of keeping a baby clean and dry,” Parks said, adding that there’s no government assistance available to go toward the purchase of diapers. “If you’re a mother receiving WIC benefits or a family receiving food stamps, you can’t use those toward the purchase of diapers, so that leaves families struggling to afford this basic need.”
This week is National Diaper Need Awareness Week, a signature event of the National Diaper Bank Network.
The week focuses on raising awareness of “diaper need,” a term Parks said describes a family’s lack of being able to afford enough diapers to keep their baby clean, dry and healthy.
They’re asking everyone in the community to consider donating diapers or making a financial contribution this week at jaxdiaperbank.org/.
The Diaper Bank also seeks to build a sustainable resource for existing social service organizations and their clients facing diaper shortages.
Through collaborative partnerships with established community organizations, the Diaper Bank ensures that diapers are distributed efficiently and promptly to families in need across the region.