It all started with Facebook.
Actually, it all started with an article a friend posted on their Facebook Wall. A new study by the journal, Pediatrics, revealed 30% of mothers have experienced the inability to afford to keep a child in clean diapers. Think about that for a moment. It’s heartbreaking.
The Need
According to this study, some parents, especially single mothers trying to make ends meet, tend to “stretch” diapers to try and make their supply last longer. Purchasing diapers is not covered by government systems because they are considered hygiene items. This cost forces some families to reuse disposable diapers, or leave babies in diapers longer than they should, which can lead to diaper rash, infections and other health problems. The study goes on to say women who said they had a lot of difficulty managing stress, sadness or trauma were nearly twice as likely as others to report diaper need.
If you’re a parent, you know what babies do when they have a wet diaper – they cry, and if they have a painful rash they cry a lot. More crying, coupled with the stress of living in need, raises the chances of child abuse. Every baby deserves a clean diaper.
Needless to say, these reports are pretty shocking and led the staff and writers at Rocket City Mom to take action. We partnered up with the industrious Fran Fluhler at Manna House in Huntsville, and The Great Diaper Drive was born!
How many diapers can we collect for Manna House through the month of September? We need your help to find out!
Ways to Help
- Help us spread the word by sharing this page, telling your friends about the drive via our Facebook Event, and then sharing this page again!
- Donate at one of our many drop-off locations.
- Attend The Great Diaper Shower on September 8th from 2-6PM at Kidventure. There will be plenty of fun, live entertainment, face painting, and food. We’ll have shaved ice and On-On Tacos (if you get there before 3:30).
- Lastly, you can donate online and your gift is completely tax-deductible. Be sure to type in “diapers” in the comment section so they know the money is to be used for the drive.
Event Information: Great Diaper Shower
Date: Sunday, September 8th
Time: 2-6pm
Location: Kidventure
About the Author
Stephenie has worked with and around books and authors for over 12 years, both at retail booksellers and public libraries. She is a rare Huntsville native, mother of two high-energy boys, wife of one, and eerily addicted to community volunteering. In her spare time she likes to stalk her favorite authors online, garden, and also manages to conduct freelance marketing and PR work.
Guest blogger for We Are Huntsville. Are you interested in writing a post for our site? Email katelyn@wearehuntsville.com.
Thanks so much for helping us spread the word about this cause. We’ve been overwhelmed with all the community support we’ve received and really appreciate everyone who has pitched in to make sure no baby in Madison Co. goes without a clean diaper.