Pregnancy Helpline promotes diaper collection

MADISON — Through the effort of Pregnancy Helpline of Madison and the National Diaper Bank Network, the week of September 8 to 14 has been proclaimed Diaper Need Awareness Week in Wisconsin as a result of the great amount of needed support.

People are encouraged to aid this critical issue by donating funds or diapers during Diaper Need Awareness Week. Diapers can be dropped off at three Madison Shopko stores September 8 to 14. Diapers can also be brought to the Lil Badger Consignment Sale in Monona September 11 to 13.

Donations can be made online at www.pregnancyhelpline.net

	Why there’s a need for diapers In Wisconsin, 44 percent (183,580) of young children live in low-income families. Diapers cannot be bought with food stamps nor are they covered by WIC. Without adequate diapers, parents make do without or stretch their minimal supply by leaving babies in dirty diapers longer or reusing diapers. Longer times in dirty diapers can lead to severe diaper rash and other health problems for children. Babies without diapers often cannot be left with a childcare provider. Without childcare, parents are unable to go to work or school resulting in more parental stress and more tense, less nurturing home environments.

Need for diapers

“As a mother, the thought of not being able to keep my baby in clean, dry diapers is heart-breaking,” said Jen Bartell, Pregnancy Helpline Diaper Bank coordinator.

“Diapers are expensive, though, and a lack of diapers is a reality for many families in our community. Pregnancy Helpline offers clients bundles of free diapers monthly. We’re helping and want to do more.”

Diaper need refers to the serious problem of getting babies a sufficient supply of disposable diapers to remain clean, dry, and healthy.

Pregnancy Helpline

Pregnancy Helpline of Madison is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and licensed through the state (DFI # 11624-800).

Pregnancy Helpline has been serving low-income women, children, and families in the Madison area for over 30 years and now runs four programs: 24-Hour Helpline, Sharing Center, Baby Care Package, and Safe Sleep.

At the Sharing Center, parents receive free diapers, children’s and maternity clothing, formula, books, toys, and equipment.

A member of the National Diaper Bank Network since 2013, Pregnancy Helpline has distributed over 18,000 diapers to Dane County families so far in 2014. There is nowhere else in Madison to consistently receive free diapers.

Diaper drives

Pregnancy Helpline’s diaper bank both purchases diapers and collects donated diapers through diaper drives. Like a food drive, diaper drives collect diaper donations to be distributed to families in need. In 2013, Pregnancy Helpline was supported by 15 diaper drives, collecting close to 19,000 baby diapers.

Diaper drive hosts are always needed; diapers can be brought to the Sharing Center on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, and donations can be made at pregnancyhelpline.net

The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every baby can be clean, dry, and healthy.

The NDBN raises awareness of the diaper gap in America and builds the capacity of community-based diaper banks to serve families by creating a national network of community partners.