United Way of Champaign County has acquired Bottom Line Diaper Bank, and a donation from Christie Clinic will help the diaper bank expand its operations.
Similar to the food bank system, the Bottom Line Diaper Bank collects and stores diaper donations, in addition to purchasing diapers in bulk at a low cost. Local nonprofit and community organizations submit diaper orders monthly, and volunteers fill the orders.
“We currently work with seven local groups to provide diapers for their clients,” United Way president and CEO Sue Grey said. “Our goal is to quickly expand both the number of diapers and groups the Diaper Bank distributes each month. Christie Clinic’s donation will help us immensely.”
Christie Clinic has donated $1,500 to United Way to support the expansion of Diaper Bank operations.
The Bottom Line Diaper Bank began in 2014 when Champaign residents Joy George and her daughter Susan George created the non-profit as a way to address the problem of diaper need. (According to the National Diaper Bank Network, 1 in 3 families struggle with diaper need.) The Bottom Line Diaper Bank distributes 4,000 diapers per month. It is housed at the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District.
In addition to meeting diaper need, the acquisition of the Diaper Bank allows United Way to provide additional volunteer opportunities to its Workplace Campaign Partners and the broader community.
“We hope there will be interest from the community in terms of donations, sponsorship and volunteerism,” Grey said. “This program relies on donations and volunteers!”
The United Way Emerging Community Leaders program will host a week-long Diaper Drive August 16-23 and a one-day
Diaper Party on Friday, August 23 from 4-7pm at Quality in downtown Champaign. The collection goal is marked at 25,000 diapers to help families in Champaign County with essentials for their baby.
Participants should bring diapers and pull-ups of any size and wipes to the diaper drop box locations. During the Diaper Party on Friday monetary donations by cash, check, or card will also be accepted in addition to diapers.
Local organizations and businesses including Busey, City of Champaign, and ResCare Homecare will have diaper drop boxes available where donations can be made. Find other drop box locations at bit.ly/diaperdrive19.
