Over the past five years, through cash and diaper collections, Beth McKinnon has donated 62,667diapers to EBC.

Beth’s first drive in 2012 raised over 4,000 diapers. She didn’t stop there and continues to collect each December to support EBC. Not only does she receive diapers, but Beth also takes cash, wipes, and other items that meet a real need in her community. She wants to share that need and educate others about the importance of these donations.

“One of the things I am most proud of is education and awareness that I have shared with friends, family and our community, about the need for diapers in our area.  It is such an important and unrecognized issue and I am so happy that we have started the conversation and spread the word,”                      

Beth McKinnon

Diaper Need & Diaper Awareness

One in three families struggle with diaper need. Currently families are unable to use money from nutrition programs (such as food stamps or WIC) to pay for diapers, and those receiving financial benefits often find that they also need to choose between diapers and other necessities, like food or rent. 

The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) estimates that a third of families have a need for more diapers.  They can be costly and infants can use up to 240 of them per month, with an average annual cost ofone thousand dollars.  People experiencing economic struggles are also less likely to be able to comparison shop for the least expensive diapers or to be able to buy them in bulk, which can also reduce the per-diaper cost.

Those who are unable to afford an adequate supply of diapers often will wash and reuse soiled diapers.  This inappropriate reuse of diapers and, an inadequate supply in general, can lead to health problems – urinary tract and other infections for the child and mental health problems for the caregivers who struggle to keep children healthy.

 

The struggle to provide enough diapers is apparent from data showing how much Americans spend on them per year.  Families right here in our community experience diaper need every day. That’s why in 2016, Eastside Baby Corner provided 1,147,832 diaper changes.  And EBC depends on help from the community to supply all of those diapers. 

How Can You Help?

Hosting a diaper drive like Beth is a great way to collect a large amount of diapers! EBC takes diapers of any size!  Diapers can be dropped off during donation hours or sent directly through our wishlist.

For more information, you can contact Christine White, Associate Annual Fund Officer, at 425-372-7533 or christinew@babycorner.org.