In support of local families experiencing financial hardship, humanitarian aid organization Global Links and Western PA Diaper Bank, with support from McKeesport Hospital Foundation, will host a drive-up diaper distribution event on Sunday from noon-2 p.m. at McKeesport Area Senior High School.
Families and caregivers of young children are invited to line up by car to receive approximately a one-month supply of children’s diapers per household, according to a news release. Parents and caregivers will have the option of choosing up to two different sizes of diapers. Sizes 1 to 6 will be available.
The first diaper drive was held in 2020 during the pandemic, and the nonprofits have been holding several drives a year every year since then. Jefferson Regional Foundation funded the drives in June 2023 and this past April, serving 450 and 605 families respectively. UPMC and UPMC Health Plan funded the October 2023 drive, serving 753 families. Kimberlee Love, Global Links director of development and strategic partnerships, expects this Sunday’s drive to serve about the same amount of families as the past two events.
Cathy Battle, founder and executive director of the Western PA Diaper Bank, stated in the news release, “It has never been more expensive to raise a child. Diaper costs increased 25% over the last two years. According to The National Diaper Bank Network Diaper Check 2023, we have learned that 1 in 2 families nationally are struggling to keep their babies clean, healthy and dry. Not only has diaper need increased, but period products and incontinence supplies are also requested more this year. No one should have to choose between buying diapers or buying food.
“Infants use eight to 12 diapers per day and a toddler uses six to eight diapers per day. As always, the need is much greater than the supply. Thanks to everyone who has supported the Diaper Bank and the many babies and families we serve.”
Kareliz Ramos Aponte, Global Links’ domestic medical aid program manager, explained in the news release the dilemma families with infants and toddlers face. “Families are struggling to make ends meet, and baby diapers are not covered by SNAP, WIC or other government benefits. Without clean diapers babies are at risk of infection and families are faced with increased stress. By partnering with the Western PA Diaper Bank we are supporting families in the Mon Valley in an effort to keep their babies dry, healthy, and safe. A special thank you goes to the McKeesport Hospital Foundation for their support of this effort.”
The high school is located at 1960 Eden Park Blvd., McKeesport. The event will take place rain or shine. For additional information, visit www.wpadiaperbank.org
The PUP is the publication of the striking workers at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
