Why diapers?
Diapers for babies are as essential as food and shelter. Yet, they are not often recognized as a basic need. They cannot be obtained with food stamps (SNAP) or WIC (the food and nutrition program for women, infants and children). They are classified with cigarettes, alcohol and pet food as disallowed purchases.
"Diaper need" is the struggle to provide babies and toddlers with the clean dry diapers they need. Some families face having to clean and reuse soiled (disposable) diapers or they have to choose between diapers and other basic needs like food, rent, electricity. In our community, families struggle with diaper need every day.
What?
The Drive is collecting disposable diapers and diaper wipes. Some people have asked if we will accept cloth diapers. The Amherst Survival Center's Community Store accepts cloth diaper donations, however, they are not part of this Drive.
Where can you drop off diaper donations?
There are 13 locations (or you can bring them directly to the Amherst Survival Center at 138 Sunderland Road in North Amherst). Look for the "Diaper Drop-Off Here" signs, a listing of drop-off locations is here.
Who?
The Drive is co-sponsored by Family Outreach of Amherst, the Amherst Survival Center, concerned community members, the Office of State Representative Ellen Story, Amherst College Center for Community Engagement, Hampshire/Franklin/ North Quabbin WIC - a program of Community Action, the Town of Amherst Health Department, and the United Way of Hampshire County.
Need more information?
Visit the Amherst Survival Center's website: amherstsurvival.org/diaperneed/
