To address diaper needs throughout the state, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey will hold its second annual #GreatBigDiaperDrive throughout the month of September. Led by the food bank’s Women Fighting Hunger in Hillside and Egg Harbor Township.
The campaign is in honor of National Diaper Need Awareness Week, Sept 24 through Oct. 2, according to a news release.
In partnership with community organizations, corporate supporters, and caring individuals, the food bank will collect diapers, wipes, baby cream and cash donations to help the one-in-three families who struggle to afford hygiene supplies and are often forced to choose between diapers and other necessities.
“Families who struggle to afford food often lack access to diapers and other essential hygiene supplies, too,” food bank President and CEO Carlos Rodriguez said.
Most federally funded public assistance does not cover non-food items, such as diapers, he said.
Most needed items for the drive include diapers (all sizes, but especially sizes 4-6, as well as adult diapers), baby wipes and baby cream. All items must be new and in original packaging.
Cash donations to the virtual diaper drive can be made online, and groups and individuals are also invited to help raise awareness and run their own drives. New Jersey preschools and early childhood education centers are especially encouraged to participate this year.
Drop-off locations in Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland counties, the area served by CFBNJ’s Egg Harbor Township branch, include:
Atlantic County
CFBNJ, Egg Harbor Township
Sister Jean’s Pantry, Atlantic City
Jewish Family Service of Atlantic and Cape May Counties, Margate
Cape May County
Bethel Commandment Church of the Living God, Whitesboro
Caring for Kids, Cape May Court House
Cumberland County
Salvation Army, Bridgeton
Chestnut Assembly of God, Vineland
Forest Lake Family Success Center, Millville
“Babies require up to 12 diapers per day, which adds up to between $70 and $80 per month – a cost that many struggling families simply cannot afford,” Rodriguez said. “With every $1 donated, CFBNJ can provide six diapers to help parents keep their children clean, dry and healthy.”
Last year’s #GreatBigDiaperDrive collected more than 5,000 pounds of diapers, wipes and creams and raised more than $32,000 – enough for 192,000 additional diapers.
Since 2014, CFBNJ has been a member of the National Diaper Bank and distributes more than 5.2 million diapers annually to more than 175 community partners throughout the state.
CFBNJ’s Women Fighting Hunger will also host an informative virtual lunch and learn about diaper need during National Diaper Need Awareness Week on Sept. 26. A panel of local thought leaders will share their insights about this important and often hidden public health issue. More details on the event will be available at cfbnj.org/gbdd.
For more information on how to support #GreatBigDiaperDrive, visit cfbnj.org/gbdd.
