Everyone knows how critical diapers are to the well-being of a baby. Babies generally need to have their diapers changed 10-12 times per day and this drops to only 8-10 times per day for toddlers. Even with consistent diaper changes, many children are susceptible to diaper rash. Without consistent diaper changes, babies run the risk of infections, diaper rash and other significant health problems; problems that require medical attention and can put additional financial strain on the families. In, addition babies who are wet or have a diaper rash tend to cry more and are at a larger risk of abuse.

Those diapers can cost $100 to a $120 per month. For those families living paycheck to paycheck, it’s a cost that can feel insurmountable. Some families must decide between essentials such as food and diapers. Consider that many daycare facilities will not take children without adequate diapers for the day, and you can see how providing free diapers can play a critical role in keeping working families afloat financially.

The Diaper Depot was formed in 2013 when a group of individuals in a Bible Study group decided to find an unmet need for families with infants. Diapers were unanimous among agencies that serve families. Childcare facilities require a minimum number of diapers per infant per week, if the families don’t have those diapers, babies can’t attend, and parents can’t work to pay for the diapers.

The Family Support Center of Barry County’s Diaper Depot program distributes free diapers to a network of seven local partners who then distribute the diapers throughout the County to families in need. Families receive these free donations with approximately 7,000 individual diapers distributed annually.