In support of local families experiencing financial hardship, humanitarian aid organization Global Links and Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank will hold a drive-up diaper distribution event this Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon 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 from the partners. Parents and caregivers will have the option of choosing up to two different sizes of diapers. Sizes 1 to 6 will be available. The distribution is being held with support from the Jefferson Regional Foundation.
Cathy Battle, founder and executive director of the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank, stated in the release, “It has never been more expensive to raise a child. Diaper costs increased 25% over the last two years. Our distribution to our partners continues to increase, and we are giving out close to 200,000 diapers a month in addition to formula, period products and incontinence supplies.
“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.”
The need is immediate, she said, because of the number of diapers parents and caregivers need for the babies in their care. “Infants use 8 to 12 diapers per day, and a toddler uses 6 to 8 diapers per day,” Battle said in the release. “As always, the need is much greater than the supply. Thanks to everyone that has supported the Diaper Bank and the many babies and families we serve. A special thanks to the Global Links team and Jefferson Regional Foundation for collaborating with us to help babies in the Mon Valley.”
Kareliz Ramos Aponte, Global Links’ Domestic Medical Aid Program manager, explained in the release why the situation is difficult for parents and families. “Baby diapers are not covered by SNAP or other government benefits, and families are struggling to make ends meet,” she said. “Without clean diapers, babies are at risk of infection and families are faced with increased stress. By partnering with the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank we are supporting families in the Mon Valley in an effort to keep their babies dry, healthy and safe.”
The event will be held rain or shine. McKeesport Area High School is located at 1960 Eden Park Blvd., McKeesport 15132.
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