By: Melissa Jones—
Muncie, Indiana — BY5 research estimates that, in Delaware County, between 1,610 and 2,440 0–3-year-olds in lower-income families suffer from diaper need. In an effort to reduce this number, BY5 Early Childhood Initiative is launching a diaper drive during National Diaper Need Awareness Week, which runs from Sept. 24–30, to support all the diaper banks in the Diaper Bank Network, which will open later this fall.
The Diaper Bank Network will provide families in need the opportunity to have access to necessary diapering products via diaper banks throughout the county. WIC, SNAP and EBT programs do not allow their users to purchase sanitation products, including diapers and wipes, and diapers can cost between $1,000 and $1,500 per year per child.
Additionally, not having access to clean diapers can cause health issues in young children. BY5’s diaper banks will accept both diapers and diapering supplies, like wipes and baby creams. These diaper banks will be strategically placed in under-served locations throughout the county.
The Diaper Bank Network is made possible with a grant from Champions for a Safe Community, which will help fund the creation of diaper banks, and community support. BY5 has partnered with a number of community organizations for this project: Second Harvest Food Bank & Forward STEPS, Open Door Health Services, Interlocal Community Action Project (ICAP), Huffer CCR&R, Christian Ministries, First Choice for Women, Excel Center of Muncie and Muncie Mission – Family Services.
“We can’t thank Champions for a Safe Community and our community partners enough for their outpouring support,” said Marissa Rose, the strategic initiatives coordinator at BY5. “By providing diapers and supplies to families in need, we are ensuring that more children in our neighborhoods are set on a pathway to success.”
To participate in the diaper drive, drop off donations during business hours Sept. 24–30 at Muncie YWCA, Habitat for Humanity ReStore or the Ball State University Office of Community Engagement. All diapers are encouraged, but BY5 indicates that sizes 3–6 are typically most needed, as well as wipes, baby creams and other diapering supplies.
To learn more about Diaper Need Awareness Week, the Diaper Bank Network and where families in need can pick up diapers, visit muncieby5.org/diapers.
About BY5
BY5 is the leading organization in Muncie and Delaware County for promoting early childhood awareness. The organization strives to improve the opportunities available to children up to age 5. As a result of task force and volunteer opportunities, BY5 has been able to implement several strategies to aid children in reaching their developmental potential. To learn more, visit muncieby5.org
