Diaper need is a silent crisis in the United States. Most Americans who have not faced this struggle do not know the problem exists. Diapers are a basic need for children, as essential to their health and well-being as food and shelter. Research shows that 1 in 3 low-income families don’t have the diapers they need to keep babies clean, dry and healthy. Government assistance programs, including food stamps and WIC, do not provide funding for diapers, a basic necessity for babies, which can cost over $100 per month.
The Galveston Diaper Bank is excited to be part of Diaper Need Awareness Week, September 28 through October 4, which is the signature initiative of the National Diaper Bank Network. The purpose of the week is three-fold: to draw public attention to the issue of diaper need; to prompt individuals, communities, and elected officials to take action; and, to help support the diaper bank community in its effort to get diapers to babies who need them.
The Galveston Diaper Bank partners with local organizations involved with creating a healthier environment for our low-income neighbors, friends and families by providing diapers through their parenting classes, job training, and education programs. Since our founding in September, 2013, we have provided over 55,000 diapers to parents participating in Incredible Years classes, in partnership with Family Service Center of Galveston County and Galveston Sustainable Communities Alliance, and to families in crisis through St. Vincent’s House, Jesse Tree, and Galveston Urban Ministries.
As we celebrate our second anniversary, we must thank the many members of our community for their support. We will be eternally grateful to Mitchell Historic Properties and Galveston Sustainable Communities Alliance for our first “home”, which provided our startup location and fiscal support; to GISD for our current location; to Laura Elder and the Galveston County Daily News for the story, that brought attention to our mission; to Junior League of Galveston County, Theta Delta Beta, Alpha and Beta Chapters, and Island ETC for their early support; to Congregation Beth Jacob for their year-long donations of diapers and funding; to First Presbyterian Outreach Fund and the National Diaper Bank Network for their grants; to Holy Family Catholic School, Jamaica Janes, and Unitarian Universalist Fellowship for holding Diaper Drives; and to the many community members who gave their support.
We will continue to partner with Family Service Center providing diapers to parenting programs and look forward to partnering with other community organizations involved with creating a healthier environment for our low-income families by providing diapers for their parenting classes, job training, and education programs.
Please join us at Chili’s, 500 Seawall Blvd, on September 26, from 8 – 9:30 for our Pancake Breakfast, courtesy of Chili’s with eggs and bacon provided by Kroger. Price is $8.00 per person for a wonderful all-you-can-eat breakfast! A limited number of tickets are available and can be purchased in advance; contact Kathy at the email below.
For more information about how you can help, please contact Kathy Modzelewski via email, galvestondiaperbank@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Kathy Modzelewski
Founder and President
Galveston Diaper Bank