SWEETWATER COUNTY — The United Way of Southwest Wyoming Community Diaper Bank kicks off Diaper Need Awareness Week with Proclamations signed by the mayors of both the City of Rock Springs and the City of Green River.
“What if you couldn’t afford diapers? Diaper Need Awareness recognizes that diapers are as important to a child’s health as food, shelter and parental love” stated Shelley Richno, United Way’s Community Impact Coordinator.
“By removing the question of ‘And what do we do without?’. We remove one more obstacle that many families have to overcome. Diapers matter! For a family in need, diaper banks may be their only resource available.” – Richno said.
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The United Way of Southwest Wyoming Community Diaper Bank helps address diaper need by collecting and storing the diapers for our community partners to distribute diapers to families experiencing financial hardship. While they range in size and scope, diaper banks obtain diapers through local diaper drives, in-kind donations by manufacturers and retailers, and by bulk purchase of diapers directly with donated funds.
Research shows that 1 in 3 low-income families don’t have the diapers they need to keep babies clean, dry and healthy.
Government assistance program—including food stamps and WIC—do not provide funding for diapers, a basic necessity for babies.
According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, there are currently 5.3 million infants and toddlers living in low-income families.
Getting Involved
Individuals and organizations can get involved in Diaper Need Awareness Week in the following ways:
Donate to a Diaper Bank – United Way of Southwest Wyoming Community Diaper Bank. We have drop off boxes in the following locations;
Green River – Chamber of Commerce, Sweetwater County Library and Golden Hours Senior Center.
Rock Springs – White Mountain and Rock Springs Libraries, Young at Heart Senior Center, RSNB Bank branch locations and the United Way Office.
Use #DIAPERNEED in Social Media – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other social platforms – share your experiences, and raise online awareness of diaper need by using the hashtag #DIAPERNEED.
Host a Diaper Drive – hold a diaper drive to benefit our local community. If you need help in starting a drive contact the United Way Office.
Last year 29,890 diapers were distributed in Sweetwater County. Help them continue to close that gap.
For information, contact Shelley at United Way 362-5003
