DID YOU KNOW?
Safety-net programs such as SNAP (food stamps) and WIC (women infants children) do not cover diapers. This is a huge expense for low-income families costing an estimated $80-100 per month. 1 in 3 American families struggle to provide enough diapers to keep their babies happy, healthy and dry.
Without an adequate supply of diapers, babies spend extended periods of time in the same soiled diaper. This poses health risks to the baby, including diaper rash and potentially serious infections or even hepatitis. And being wet or dirty makes for an unhappy, crying baby, which causes family tension.
A 2013 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics found that moms who experience diaper need are twice as likely to suffer from depression and stress, because they struggle to meet their baby’s needs. The study found this stress ranks even higher than food insecurity.
At Happy Bottoms, their mission is to work with social service agency partners to provide diapers to low-income families while raising awareness of diaper need in our community. And guess what, they need your help!
Happy Bottoms has an online volunteer management system which makes it easy to give back. You create a profile, then can sign up for shifts online. Check it out here!
Happy Volunteering!