On July 26, diapers can be dropped off at two locations in Champaign and Urbana; will be distributed to families in need
Any parent who has raised a young child knows that diapers are expensive.
But for parents struggling financially, keeping their babies clean and dry is beyond just an inconvenient task; it can be a significant source of stress on a family. A lack of access to diapers can result in health issues for a child, and missed days of work for parents.
A group of local young professionals is seeking to help address the need for diapers in Champaign-Urbana by hosting a diaper drive on Sunday, July 26.
Diapers can be dropped off at two area locations on that day (more info below); donations are already being taken online and will continue through August 1.
“We are a group of emerging community leaders supported by The United Way of Champaign County. We are passionate about supporting our community and especially the most vulnerable of our population…the babies!,” said Marnita Harris. “Help us provide for those in need by participating in our drive-by diaper drive. Every pack of diapers is welcome and appreciated.”
The need for diapers is exacerbated by the fact that federal and state programs helping families with food and other primary needs do not provide provisions to help families with obtaining diapers.
“One in 3 families lack a sufficient supply of diapers to keep an infant or child clean, dry and healthy,” Harris said.
All diaper donations will be given to the Bottom Line Diaper Bank, which distributes diapers to local programs that facilitate direct donations to clients. Some of those organizations are Champaign-Urbana Public Health Department – WIC; Children’s Home & Aid; and Community Service Center of Northern Champaign Count.
Bottom Line Diaper Bank is supported by the United Way of Champaign-Urbana.
Donations will be collected in person on Sunday, July 26 at Busey Bank in downtown Champaign (located at 100 W. University Avenue) and in Urbana at the U of I Community Credit Union, located at 206 E. University Avenue.
There will be participants from the Emerging Community Leaders Program on-site at both locations to accept monetary and diaper donations; signs will direct people where to go, and there will be large collection boxes located on the parking lot of each location.
To donate virtually, go to this wishlist on Amazon, which will send the diapers directly to Bottom Line Diaper Bank. (https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/9VQC4IFGP1QT?)
For more information, follow CU Dash 4 Diapers on Facebook.
Emerging Community Leaders (ECL) is a personal development program designed for young professionals to learn how they can impact the community through nonprofit volunteerism.