Diaper Drive: Helping Families in Need at St. Joseph’s Center
St. Joseph’s Center Launches Diaper Drive to Combat Local Diaper Need
Dunmore, Lackawanna County, PA — In observance of National Diaper Need Awareness Week, St. Joseph’s Center is spearheading a crucial initiative to collect diapers for families facing financial hardships. The diaper drive aims to alleviate the often-overlooked burden of diaper costs, which can significantly impact the daily lives of low-income families.
According to research, approximately 50% of families encounter difficulties in providing an adequate supply of diapers for their children. “Many people are unaware that this is a daily struggle for numerous families in our community,” noted Tamara Hall, Director of Maternity and Family Services at St. Joseph’s Center. The Center is known for its commitment to aiding those in need and, as part of this program, has placed a van outside its facility on Blakely Street, encouraging donations throughout the week.
The Baby and Children’s Pantry at St. Joseph’s Center is a vital resource for families, offering not only diapers but also clothing, formula, and other essential items. Loren Schab, the Outreach Coordinator for the pantry, emphasized the positive impact of their efforts: “Families express immense gratitude for the diapers we provide. This assistance allows them to allocate their limited budgets toward food, bills, or transportation costs.”
A significant aspect of the diaper crisis is that, despite the high costs associated with purchasing diapers, these essential items are not covered by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) services. As a result, families often find themselves making tough choices between essentials, putting more strain on already limited resources.
In the previous year alone, the pantry distributed nearly 120,000 diapers to over 3,000 families in Lackawanna County, demonstrating the ongoing need for such community support. St. Joseph’s Center is affiliated with the National Diaper Bank Network, which connects local resources to widespread communities, enhancing the scope of their outreach.
“The rewards of this work are profound,” Schab remarked. “Seeing the relief on the faces of the families we assist reaffirms the importance of our mission.” The diaper drive at St. Joseph’s Center will continue until September 19, offering residents an opportunity to contribute to a cause that directly supports local families in need.
For those interested in making a donation, contributions can be brought to St. Joseph’s Center until the specified date. Families who require diapers may also call 570-207-6640 for assistance. This initiative not only highlights the critical issue of diaper needs but also strengthens community bonds through collective action toward a common goal: ensuring that every family has access to the basic necessities of life.
