Diaper need affected 1 in 3 families in Erie County before COVID-19, and that number is only believed to have significantly grown in the time since, says Erie Diaper Depot founder Christina Bell.
The Erie Family Center's Diaper Depot has given out more than 300,000 diapers since Christina started the program in January 2020. In an average month, the Diaper Depot is able to help diaper 350-plus Erie County children. The Erie Diaper Depot is open to anyone living in Erie County, regardless of income.
Christina says diaper needs force many parents to take unsafe measures, including delaying changing a diaper to make their supply last longer and reusing a disposable diaper.
Diapers are as essential to a child’s health as food and shelter. Yet, state and national safety net programs such as WIC and SNAP do not recognize diapers as a basic need.
In addition, there is a strong correlation between maternal depression and diaper need, according to a study conducted with researchers at the Yale School of Medicine. This study found diaper need to be an even greater stressor for mothers than food insecurity.
Diaper Need Awareness Week is September 27-October 3.
How to donate
Erie's Diaper Depot operates solely through donations. The Erie Diaper Depot is especially in need of size 6 diapers currently.
You can donate size 6 diapers, or any size diapers through the Erie Diaper Depot Amazon wishlist.
You can have your donation sent right to the Erie Family Center! You can also make cash donations through Facebook.
Macaroni KID Erie just sent a box of size 6 diapers! We hope you'll join us in supporting the Erie Diaper Depot and their important work in our community!
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Upcoming Diaper Distribution Dates and Locations
You can always find Erie Diaper Depot distribution information on Macaroni KID Erie's calendar of events. You can also find the information on the Erie Family Center Facebook page.
October Diaper Depot Distributions:
- Sept. 30: FREE: Diaper Depot Distribution at McKinley Elementary School
- Oct. 1: FREE: Diaper Depot Distribution at Edison Elementary School
- Oct. 4: FREE: Mobile Diaper Distribution at Boro Women and Family Services
- Oct. 11: FREE: Drive-Thru Diaper Depot Distribution at Erie Family Center
- Oct. 13: FREE: Diaper Depot Distribution at Holy Trinity Church
- Oct. 13: FREE: Diaper Depot Distribution at 4 N.I.N.E Thrift Store
- Oct. 14: FREE: Drive-Thru Diaper Depot Distribution at Diehl School
- Oct. 18: FREE: Drive-Thru Diaper Depot Distribution at Elk Valley Elementary School
- Oct. 25: FREE: Drive-Thru Diaper Depot Distribution at Erie Family Center
- Oct. 28: FREE: Diaper Depot Distribution at McKinley Elementary School
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Want to know more about Erie's Diaper Depot? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How does the Diaper Depot work?
Families simply pull up to the distribution location, give their name and diaper size needed and then we place the diapers in their vehicle or hand them a bag if they are walking. The contact-less drive thru method has worked very well and will continue to be our method of distribution whenever possible.
How do I register for Diaper Depot?
New to the Diaper Depot? Register Here before the next distribution: http://eriefamilycenter.org/diaper-depot/get-help/
Are you a returning participant that is going to one of our mobile distributions?
Register here: http://eriefamilycenter.org/diaper-depot/get-help/
Do I need to register for every Diaper Depot distribution?
Yes! Families need to register every time they are coming on the website www.eriefamilycenter.org under the RETURNING button. Because we pack up diapers for distribution locations, we need to know what you are picking up to have it ready for you. Please only register for the locations that you plan on attending.
How many times am I allowed to receive diapers every month?
Each family can receive 2 packs of diapers per child, per month.
How far in advance do I need to register for a distribution?
In order to be included on the distribution list you need to register at least the day before a distribution for any locations NOT at the Erie Family Center.
Want more information? Visit Erie Family Center for more details.
