Our crew at the diaper bank in October
By Lisa Witherspoon, Director of Children’s Formation
Did you know that an infant goes through about 700 diapers in the first three months of life? Did you also know that a box about 100 diapers can cost as much as $25? For families living on a limited income, that can mean they have to choose between buying diapers or buying food.
On October 17, Children’s Sabbath, we took a small group of elementary students and their parents to the Greater Triad Branch of the Diaper Bank of North Carolina where we counted and packaged diapers for distribution to families in need. We learned some staggering facts:
This branch of the diaper bank, which serves five counties including Guilford & Forsyth, distributes 100,000+ diapers per month.
- Government assistance programs such as food stamps and WIC cannot be used toward the purchase of diapers.
- Of families with “diaper age” children in the Triad, 1 in 3 cannot afford to purchase the diapers they need.
- During the pandemic, the Diaper Bank has seen a 400% increase in the need for diaper assistance while also experiencing a drastic decrease in donations and volunteers.
Those of us who went truly had fun! We chatted and laughed while we counted and wrapped. Children practiced multiplication tables and took on the challenge of creating a diaper mountain on the delivery pallet. However, we were also dismayed by the above statistics. It was heartbreaking to think how it must feel to be a parent of a small child and not be able to afford what might seem to be basic necessities to many of us. Even the youngest among us could understand that babies need diapers and that, if you don’t have money to buy them, life with a baby could be challenging (to say the least!).
In fact, we were so moved by the whole experience, the Children’s Formation Committee has decided to continue collecting diapers and partnering with the Diaper Bank for this entire year. In November-June, we will be going to the Diaper Bank once a month. We will take with us any diapers that have been collected at FPC. We will count and wrap, chat and laugh with joy. We will also continue to educate ourselves and our children about the needs of others in our community and how we can help others as Jesus has called us to do. We will pray for the families who will receive the diapers.
Would you like to help, too? Great! Here are three ways you can pitch in:
- Continue to bring diapers to church! The Diaper bank needs all sizes, but has highest need for sizes 4 and 5. If you see a sale, grab a box! At Costco? Consider purchasing a big box! Bring your donations to the red wagons on Sunday or drop them off in the welcome center any time you are here.
- Join us at the diaper bank! Not only is this a great opportunity for children, it is something anyone can do at any age and we would love for you to come with us to help and to build relationships with our youngest members. Currently, groups are limited to twenty people at a time, so please add your name to the sign-up genius on the dates you would like to attend.
- Pray for children. Pray for the children and youth in our congregation- that they will continue to grow in faith and love. Pray for children in our community and world who do not have diapers, food, love, or safety. Pray that we, as children of God, will continue to love and serve others with compassion and courage.
Thank you in advance for your donations, time, and prayers. We hope you join us at the Diaper Bank sometime soon!
