DC Bumpie Service Project

mssaint

Hi ladies,

 You all have been my support system for my first 4 months as a mom, as well as for the 8 months before that (and while I lurked for many months before!).

I know that DC Bumpies have big hearts, and want to propose that we hold a virtual service project for a great, worthy organization.

Sadly, millions of low-income families--including countless families in our area--are unable to provide enough diapers for their babies and toddlers. The DC Diaper Bank was founded in October 2010 with the goal of helping families in DC, Maryland, and Virginia in need in a lasting way.  Diapers may seem like a small thing, but for a baby and a family without access to a supply of clean diapers, it can change their lives.

• Families who are not able to afford an adequate supply of clean diapers often must leave their babies in a single diaper all day, which can result in diaper rash and other detrimental health issues. 
• Families receiving food stamps cannot use this assistance to purchase diapers because diapers are considered ?hygiene items.?
• The pain that a parent or caregiver feels at not being able to provide clean diapers, a basic necessity, for their infant or toddler adds stress and tension to the already difficult task of parenting.
• Babies exposed to stressful environments for long periods of time are affected negatively both emotionally and physically.
• Excessive crying, often the result of diaper rash or discomfort, is the number one cause of child abuse.

The DC Diaper Bank is kicking off a diaper drive month with the goal of 30 drives in 30 days, starting on Sunday (Mother's Day!).

 

I would like to propose that DC Bumpies have an online/virtual diaper drive. The next time this month that you purchase a box of diapers, please purchase a second one for the DC Diaper Bank. I would be happy to serve as a collection point (maybe we could have a diaper GTG!) and am also checking to see if it would be possible to have them shipped directly to the distribution center (for all the moms on the DC Bump who use Amazon mom or diapers.com!).

 

For more information about the organization, go to www.dcdiaperbank.org.

 

I will post more as I figure out some logistics.

Mrs.Ram

I actually have a huge box of unopened diapers I've been meaning to donate, so I'm happy to give them to the DC Diaper Bank (via you). I haven't ever heard of this organization, but it sounds worthwhile.

WinesNot Whines

I also have some old diapers that M has outgrown that are still perfectly good. I'd be happy to donate them. My main issue is time -- I'd like to drop them off somewhere less than 10 minutes from my house.

Do the packs of diapers have to be unopened?

QueSrah

If you go to their website, you can buy directly from their Amazon wish list (see the How Can I Help page).

mssaint - Piggybacking on Wines' question, I have half a box of Swaddlers (so one unopened plastic sleeve, I guess) at home.  If they will take them, I would be happy to pass them on.

LeaLea

I have some diapers that I could pass along as well, so long as open packs are acceptable. I would be happy to donate a new box as well. Let us know what you can arrange.

Cuddlejunkie

I am not sure this is the correct place to ask this but, I see that you are starting a diaper bank in DC, do you know of anything in NVA? I work with young children and was looking for suggestion of where some of my families could get help with diapers.  They have been able to find support for food and clothing, but diapers are at some of the local places are running low? Any ideas? And if this is the wrong please feel free to delete.

 

 

DC Diaper Bank Momma

Hi All,

I am the founder and director of the DC Diaper Bank and I just wanted to say thank you for contributing the DC Diaper Bank and answer some of the questions I saw pop up here!  Through the magic of the internet this post popped up on webpage stats. 

 - We do accept open packs of diapers -- please label the open pack/bag with the number and size of the diapers 

- We are *always* in need of larger sizes -- size 4 and up -- and PullUps

- We do accept wipes and diaper cream (and there is a great need for them!). These items must be new and unopened.

- You can virtually contribute through our Amazon Wishlist on our site: www.dcdiaperbank.org

And THANK YOU!  When I had my son Jack in October 2009 I was just blown away at how difficult it was to a be a new parent and I knew I needed to help moms less fortunate than myself.  I have been overwhelmed in the best possible way by the outpouring of support for the DC Diaper Bank -- thank you for helping babies in our community! cc

Corinne Cannon 

Founder and Executive Director

DC Diaper Bank

ccannon@dcdiaperbank.org

www.dcdiaperbank.org