One out of every 2 young families in Syracuse are struggling to afford diapers. The CNY Diaper Bank is holding its 10th annual “Make a Mother’s Day” Diaper Drive throughout the month of May. The organization’s founder believes no child should ever go without. Michaela Hugo says a month supply of diapers costs about 100 dollars and, the price is even more if families can’t afford to buy in bulk.
“This is a problem we’ve heard from childcare workers who’ve actually been buying diapers to help families who can’t bring the diapers. Head Start programs do have coverage for diapers for those families but, there’s a lot of daycares that don’t.”
Hugo says parents are often embarrassed if they don’t have the money to buy diapers. Generally, babies use six to ten diapers every day. However, that’s where the Diaper Bank tries to help and also lends support during emergency situations. They currently have a $10,000 matching grant challenge.
“That allows us to buy twice as many diapers. And our buying power is great because we buy in bulk at the lowest possible price. So, we can buy two to three times what someone could at the store with the same amount of money.”
Hugo says some families are forced to choose between buying diapers or food. The CNY Diaper Bank serves Syracuse, Onondaga County and some neighboring counties. To donate, click here to visit their website. Families in need of assistance may call 211 and ask for the “Help Me Grow” program.
