Partnership motivated by the mission of “Changing Babies... Changing Lives”
County Executive Robert P. Astorino today joined with the Junior League of Central Westchester to officially open the Westchester County Diaper Bank. First announced on September 11, the Diaper Bank has since been collecting all sizes, types and brands of disposable diapers and wipes and is now ready to assist families struggling to afford clean diapers in Westchester.
“Diapers are a basic need for children – as essential as food and shelter,” said Astorino. “I want to thank the Junior League of Central Westchester for this tremendous partnership. Along with the county’s Department of Social Services (DSS), together we are working to keep babies clean, safe and healthy.”
The event was marked with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Junior League of Central Westchester headquarters at Wayside Cottage in Scarsdale.
Motivated by the motto “Changing Babies... Changing Lives,” the Diaper Bank will give families an opportunity to apply for a package containing a week’s supply of diapers and wipes up to three times a year per child. Intended to help get families through the tough times, the Diaper Bank will begin by serving families through the Department of Social Services (DSS). The goal is to expand to serve nonprofit agencies as well. Proof of Westchester County residency and a child’s birth certificate are required for eligibility.
A family does not have to be an existing client of DSS to apply for diapers. Applications can be obtained and submitted at any of the county’s district offices – located in Mount Vernon, Peekskill, White Plains and Yonkers – or can be downloaded from the JLCW’s website at jlcentralwestchester.org/diaperbank. Diapers will be distributed on a monthly basis from the district offices with designated dates and pick-up times. Applications will be due approximately a week before the distribution dates.
“We are so happy to officially open the Westchester County Diaper Bank and are thrilled that Westchester County has partnered with us to make this happen,” said JLCW President Nikki Hahn. “The Junior League of Central of Westchester believes that with the community’s help, we can significantly reduce diaper deprivation, leading to improved emotional outcomes for babies and their caregivers.”
A key to making the Diaper Bank successful and sustainable is an ample supply of diapers. The Diaper Bank relies on donations, community drives and corporate sponsorships. The Junior League encourages and is seeking individuals, community organizations or corporate sponsorships to support the Diaper Bank and ultimately, our families in the community.
A recent study found that one in three American families struggles to afford clean diapers for their child. On average, diapers cost $18 per week, or $936 per year for each child, according to the Huggies study. Without an ample supply of diapers, babies are left in soiled diapers for too long, leading to poor health from infections, discomfort, and emotional distress.
Special thanks goes to the Westchester Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless, which recently donated 50,000 diapers, as well as Authentic Church in White Plains, which donated nearly 9,000 diapers.