GREENFIELD — Under the threat of federal funding gaps, the United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region is launching a fundraiser, with a $40,000 goal, to help ensure the continued vitality of its Diaper Bank.
The “Diaper Deficit” emergency fundraising drive will last from April 15 to May 15 to support United Way’s mission of providing diapers, Pull-Ups and wipes for families in need in Franklin and Hampshire counties and the North Quabbin area.
“We’re always so grateful for the support,” said Jenny Coeur, program director at the United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region. “I think folks are really in tune to family needs.
The nonprofit’s Diaper Bank distributes nearly 20,000 diapers and wipes each month to local children who need them most. However, the anticipated loss of federal funding that allows the United Way to participate in the federal Diaper Distribution Demonstration & Research Pilot means the Diaper Bank would immediately lose 50% of its monthly capacity and $10,000 in financial support for staffing and operations.
The federal Office of Community Services, in partnership with the Office of Planning, Evaluation and Research, launched the Diaper Distribution Demonstration & Research Pilot to provide funding to expand existing diaper distribution services through community partners that provide anti-poverty services.
“We were given notice, really, toward the beginning of the calendar year, that this could be a potential issue,” Coeur said of the loss of funding.
Donations can be made at tinyurl.com/DiaperDeficit. Checks can be made out to United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region with “Diaper Bank” on the memo line, and sent to P.O. Box 123, Northampton, MA 01061.
Greenfield Savings Bank participates in the United Way’s annual diaper drive every year and has pledged to match the first $10,000 raised in the emergency fundraising drive.
“Greenfield Savings Bank is proud to stand with the United Way on this important fundraising effort,” President and CEO Peter Albero said in a statement. “Choosing to match donations up to $10,000 felt natural for us because we see every day how essential it is to support families’ basic needs, especially when it comes to the health and well‑being of local children. We want to help ensure every family has what they need to thrive.”
Diapers can cost as much as $100 per month, per child, and prices continue to rise. The United Ways reports that because of this growing cost, 46% of families with young children struggle to afford diapers.
Though high rates of diaper need are reported among those receiving food assistance, and even though diapers are crucial to the healthy development of infants and toddlers, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants & Children (WIC) benefits cannot be used to purchase diapers. Most day care and early education programs also require families to provide disposable diapers for children to attend.
“I think folks that don’t have kids don’t necessarily think about diapers, and I think there really is a real choice that families are needing to make … because prices are increasing,” Coeur said. “It’s a very real need, and even if we had the support of this federal program … the need is still very strong.”
The Diaper Deficit emergency fundraising drive is happening in addition to the United Way’s yearly diaper drive, which will take place in August. That drive will focus on collecting diapers and monetary donations.
For more information about the United Way’s Diaper Bank and diaper need in the Franklin and Hampshire region and beyond, visit uw-fh.org/diaper-drive.
