In support of local families experiencing financial hardship, humanitarian aid organization Global Links and the Western PA Diaper Bank in collaboration with UPMC and UPMC Health Plan will host a drive-up diaper distribution event on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. at McKeesport Area Senior High School.
Families and caregivers of young children are invited to line up by car to receive a one-month supply of children’s diapers per household, according to a news release from the two organizations. Parents and caregivers will have the option of choosing up to two different sizes of diapers. Sizes 2 to 6 will be available.
“The cost of diapers has increased dramatically due to inflation in the past year, and despite being a necessity, diapers are not covered by SNAP benefits,” Global Links Executive Director Angela Garcia said in the news release. “Families who are struggling financially make tough choices, but not being able to adequately diaper their baby should not be one of them. Global Links is proud to collaborate with the Western PA Diaper Bank to host our second large-scale distribution in the Mon Valley, thanks to the support of UPMC and UPMC Health Plan.”
Cathy Battle, founder and executive director of the Western PA Diaper Bank, said in the news release, “It has never been more expensive to raise a child. Diaper costs increased 14% last year and have already risen by another 11% this year. Our distribution to our partners continues to increase, and we are giving out close to 200,000 diapers a month in addition to formula, period products and incontinence supplies. Additionally, supply issues continue, and it is harder to get certain sizes of diapers. We hope to alleviate this stress for families. No one should have to choose between buying diapers or buying food.”
The National Diaper Bank estimates that an infant uses eight to 12 diapers per day and a toddler uses six to eight diapers per day. It reports that 1 in 2 American families struggle to afford diapers for their children. At the rate of six diapers per day, diaper-wearing children in poverty in the United States require more than 5.8 billion diapers annually. This suggests that 77,000 diapers per day are required to meet the diaper need in Allegheny County, according to the news release. As always, the need is much greater than the supply.
The event will be held rain or shine. McKeesport Area High School is located at 1960 Eden Park Blvd.
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