September 27, 2023
Covering the community Local organizations work to help families across the St. Louis community to address the growing need for diapers
COMMUNITY VOICES By Maida J. Coleman. Pg. 2
By Wendy Todd Diapers are one of the most essential needs for babies, yet the National Diaper Bank Network reported this year that nearly half of all families (47%) in the U.S. don’t have enough diapers for their children, which is an increase from 2010 when 33% of families experience diaper need. Since 2019, the average cost of diapers has increased 32%, causing a financial strain, particularly among low-wage earners and families living in poverty. The average price per diaper is 25 cents. The average child uses 10 diapers a day which adds up to about $750 per year. Two organizations in St. Louis are working to assist families in need of diapers. This month, the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank observed National Diaper Need Awareness Week, a signature initiative of the National Diaper Bank Network that takes place Sept. 18 through 24. They held events bringing together community members and elected officials for volunteer opportunities and discussion on diaper need in the region and proposed solutions. The organization also held its annual Fill the Warehouse diaper drive to collect 150,000 diapers. The event also collected donations. Each $1 donated allows the organization to purchase eight diapers. “For one in two U.S. families facing diaper need, the far-reaching consequences impact their mental and physical wellbeing, ability to go to work, send their child to daycare, and make it hard to pay rent or buy food,” said executive director, Muriel Smith. “The diapers that we provide to families in the St. Louis community make a huge impact on all of these issues families face every day.” Founded in 2014, the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank collects, stores and distributes 250,000 free diapers per month to struggling
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Photo courtesy St. Louis Area Diaper Bank: Volunteers help the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank collect and distribute diapers to families in need.
families through a network of 75 community organizations serving low-income families and individuals. To learn more information about the organization and how to help, go to www.stldiaperbank.org Another local organization, Pooper Troopers, is holding its ninth annual diaper drive throughout the St. Louis metro region until Oct. 8. The diaper drive is in partnership with the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, Aldi, Commercial Electronics, Suburban Industrial Packaging, CAM Printing and DDI Media. Donations can be made in person at all Aldi stores in Missouri and Illinois. Any donation of $100 or more is eligible for a 50% tax credit.
“With the help of the Pooper Troopers, the Crisis Nursery can give away thousands of diapers every year to struggling families,” said DiAnne Mueller, CEO of the Crisis Nursery. “So many families must choose between buying diapers, paying the electric bill or buying food. We are so grateful that The Pooper Troopers and people all across the area believe in the Crisis Nursery and want to help us help families.” The Pooper Troopers of St. Louis have collected and donated over 1,585,000 diapers to the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery for use in the nurseries and distribution to families since See ‘COVERING’ page 2
Serving North & Northwest St. Louis County | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 102 No. 39 | 636-379-1775
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