Saturday, Sept. 24 marked the beginning of National Diaper Need Awareness Week which runs through Oct. 2. Mayor Daniel Biss proclaimed that Evanston will join the nationwide initiative during the Sept. 12 City Council meeting.
Biss said diaper accessibility remains a problem as roughly one in three mothers face diaper insecurity at some time. That combined with the city’s efforts toward improved health and diaper need could present a potential economic opportunity for low-income families is the city’s rationale for joining the initiative, he said.
“The people of Evanston recognize that addressing Diaper Need can lead to economic opportunity for the state’s low-income families and can lead to improved health for families and their communities,” Biss’ proclamation reads.
Biss encourages residents to donate diapers and volunteer for diaper dispensaries to honor the week. Evanston is home to Bundled Blessings Diaper Pantry, which is recognized by the National Diaper Bank Network.
There are several ways to support Bundled Blessings
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. Diaper donations are accepted at partner organizations like the Infant Welfare Society of Evanston, Howard Area Community Center, Connections for the Homeless and Childcare Network of Evanston. A full list of donation bins and participating organizations is available on its website. Diapers can also be purchased to be donated to Bundled Blessings through its Amazon wishlist.The diaper bank also accepts monetary donations. Donations are accepted both online or via a check made out to First United Methodist Church of Evanston — make sure to write “Bundled Blessings” in the check memo line to ensure it gets distributed appropriately.
Grateful Grams can also be purchased. By purchasing a Grateful Gram, an ecard will be sent to the person or organization the donor is donating on behalf of.
Other ways of helping the cause include hosting either a diaper drop-off barrel or diaper drive to help the diaper bank collect donations. All equipment is provided by Bundled Blessings and the organization will pick up the diapers from the host. More information about hosting drop-off barrels and diaper drives can be found on Bundled Blessing’s website.
Corey Schmidt is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.