It’s Diaper Need Awareness Week, and Central New York’s Diaper Bank is urging businesses and individuals to step up to help struggling families in the community. Founder Michaela Hugo says as a mother of three, she was motivated by the lack of resources available for families who couldn’t afford diapers.
“I surveyed all the local agencies and everyone that responded said families come to us all the time for diapers but we never have them to give. That just kind of blew me away just the thought that families are desparate. They are going for help and they are being turned away all the time,” said Hugo.
Hugo started the not-for-profit three years ago, and today they supply 80,000 diapers a month that reach over 1500 babies through 30 partnering agencies. For Hugo, the reward is knowing the positive impact that the bank has on the way a parent feels and interacts with their child.
"When parents don't have enough diapers, that stress just kind of seeps into every part of their lives. The babies are more stressed, they have interrupted sleep, they are crying more, parents are bonding less. They are less likely to play with their child and read with their child when they are so stressed out and worried about just having enough diapers,” said Hugo.
Saturday, CNY Diaper Bank will be at the Syracuse - Holy Cross fotball game at the Dome collecting any and all diaper donations. But making monetary donations on their website is the best way to contribute so the organization can buy diapers in bulk at low prices. The website is cnydiaperbank.org
