As any parent will confirm, the economic cost of having a baby is vast. Formula, toys, clothing, and of course diapers are in constant need of replenishment as babies grow and develop. Helping local families with this financial reality is the Diaper Bank of the Ozarks, an organization that has reached out to over 16,500 babies since its opening three years ago.
Distributing more than 375,000 disposable diapers and 100 cloth diaper starter kits, the facility unites with local partners to answer the many calls for help from Ozarks parents. Although diapers are necessary when raising a child, there are many in the region who struggle to provide these basic supplies for their expanding family.
Despite the improving economy, Jill Bright, the executive director of the diaper bank, says that the need for these supplies are still high.
“It goes along with the whole situation with poverty and low income in Springfield and Greene County,” says Bright, adding that for even a family of two a minimum wage job just doesn’t cut it when it comes to providing babies with essential needs.
Ranging from $60 to $80 a month, diaper cost fall solely on the families as there no existing programs to offer such assistance.
“Food Stamps and WIC provide assistance with food, and because diapers are a clothing item the government doesn’t provide assistance to purchase diapers.”
The average cost of diapers amounts to $1,000 annually and is sometimes sacrificed for other necessities like groceries as families grow and budgets stay the same.
As the Diaper Bank of the Ozarks works to supply these essentials to the families in need, it relies on members of the community to hold diaper drives and to offer donations to keep supplies stocked. The bank also looks to educate families on the benefits and cost saving advantages of using cloth diapers as opposed to disposable.
“We provide information in all of our packages of disposable diapers, but there are still many obstacles that we need to help the family get over as far as how to do the laundry of the diapers and how to start up their diaper kit.”
In addition to accepting donations to benefit local families, the Diaper Bank also looks for volunteers who want to help out in a variety of ways. From web design to repackaging diapers, volunteers are welcome to help out for as little or as much time they have available. The bank also has an upcoming diaper drive on Saturday, September 26th to celebrate National Diaper Need Awareness Week. The organization will have tables set up at all the Wal-Mart supercenters from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. where Ozarks residents can bring diaper donations.
For more information about the Diaper Bank or volunteer opportunities, visit their website at diaperbankoftheozarks.org.