GREENFIELD — The Franklin County Diaper Task Force, United Way of Franklin County and Community Action are once again teaming up to make sure babies’ bottoms across the county are a little drier and their parents’ pocketbooks are a little less taxed.
After a one-year hiatus, because the organizer moved away and there weren’t enough volunteers to continue last year, the groups are reviving the annual drive, which will officially begin June 10.
Deb Billings, a member of the task force and this year’s organizer, said she is leading the way to rebuild the event. The drive started in 2013, and by 2016, the drive had given out more than 26,000 diapers.
“We want to bring this back as much as possible,” Billings said. “There is an incredible, critical need here in Franklin County.”
She said the drive always needs more volunteers, noting that 50 people have already volunteered to be at collection sites across Franklin County throughout the month.
United Way Executive Director Kelly Brigham-Steiner said she is happy the drive has been revived because there are so many children in need. She said just between August and December of last year, 3,600 diapers were donated and organizations ran out before the end of the year.
“Each package of diapers is the difference between a child being exposed to rashes, infections or other health issues, and them having a positive start in life that increases the likelihood for improved well-being in the future,” Brigham-Steiner said. “We all suffer when a child suffers. A donation is a small way to say you care, and has a big impact now and in the future.”
According to the groups, one in three families in the county struggle to afford diapers, which cost on average $70 to $80 a month for every baby. People cannot use food stamps to buy them.
Billings said no government programs help with the purchase of diapers, leaving many families struggling and making difficult choices. Not having diapers means children are at risk for health problems, increased stress and in some cases, unable to attend daycare facilities. That can contribute to the cycle of poverty.
Brigham-Steiner noted Center for Self-Reliance Director Justin Costa said that as many diapers as the center handed out, it needed much more.
“As the father of two young children, I understand how difficult it can be,” Costa said. “It’s an unmet need here. It’s something the task force was able to provide with its diaper drives until last year. I’m just grateful it’s being brought back.”
As part of United Way’s Day of Action on June 22, the task force will collect diapers on the Greenfield Common from 9 a.m. to noon. New and gently used cloth diapers will be accepted, as well as disposable and biodegradable diapers.
The diapers will be distributed through the Family Center and other agencies that serve children in need. Monetary donations will be accepted to purchase diapers, as well.
A list of the 29 drop-off sites can be found at: uw-fc.org or on the Franklin County Diaper Task Force’s Facebook page.
For more information, contact Deb Billings at 413-659-6019 or email: franklincountydiaperbank@gmail.com.
Reach Anita Fritz at 413-772-0261, ext. 269 or afritz@recorder.com.