By Christi Reynard
Catholic Charities Communications Director
You know that Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota helps people in need all over the Diocese in all sorts of ways from emergency housing, to mental health counseling and wellness programs to keep seniors active. This month the agency looks to help the littlest members of our community with its annual diaper drive for the Pregnancy, Parenting, and Adoption (PPA) program. The goal is to collect at least 800 packs of diapers to provide low-income families in Southern Minnesota with this essential and often overlooked resource.
The PPA program provides parents with diapers and wipes once a month, ensuring that their babies have access to enough clean and dry diapers. This may seem like a small thing, but it makes a big impact on the health and well-being of low-income families.
Diapers and wipes are getting more expensive by the day. Local store-brand diapers cost between 15 and 16 cents per diaper. A newborn can use up to 12 diapers a day – and that adds up.
“Diapers are a constant, immediate expense for new parents that can’t wait until the next paycheck,” Sarah Vetter, PPA Program Director says. “When parents try to change diapers less frequently because of costs, it could be harmful to a baby’s health.”
According to a study by the National Diaper Bank Network, one in three American families experience a diaper need, meaning they do not have enough diapers to keep their child clean and healthy.
For low-income families, this can be a chronic issue. Without access to enough diapers, parents may have to choose between buying food, paying the light bill, or buying diapers, which can lead to diaper rash, infections, and other health problems for their children.
Lack of access to diapers can also limit a child’s access to childcare and early education programs. Many daycare centers require parents to provide at least 10 diapers a day for their child. That adds up to about 50 diapers per week. Without the means to provide enough diapers, parents may not be able to work or attend school, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
“We serve hundreds of families at or below the federal poverty level, who are struggling to make ends meet,” Vetter says. “We can alleviate some of that stress by providing diapers and wipes regularly.”
“This is a great way for the community to come together to help out in a real and tangible way,“ Shanna Harris, Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota Executive Director adds. “Every pack of diapers and wipes will go to a baby who needs it right here in our community.”
There are many ways to help. You can throw a diaper drive shower at your workplace, at your church, or with family or friends. Use our handy template to make it easy!
Another way to help is by donating diapers. Buy a package or box of diapers and drop them off during the month of March or anytime. You can drop off donations can be at Catholic Charities offices in Mankato, Owatonna (donations by appointment, call 507-450-1518), Rochester, or Winona. You can also drop off diapers at several churches across the Diocese, including St Bernard’s in Stewartville, St John the Baptist in Mankato, Pax Christi in Rochester, Queen of Angels in Austin, Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Rochester, and Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona.
You can also make a monetary gift that will stay local and help struggling families in need. Donate online here.
Diapers are often the most requested non-food item at area food banks and the PPA program is one of the only safety net programs in southern Minnesota that provides diaper assistance. Last year, people across the Diocese donated more than 500 packs of diapers and 400 packs of wipes to help families in need. This year, the need is even greater.
“We are so grateful for the way the community responded to last year’s diaper drive! We provided over 600 packs of diapers to families in 2022,” Vetter says. “And we’ve seen an increase in requests with the rise in the cost of living in the last few months. We estimate needing 800- 900 packs of diapers for families in 2023.”
The need for diapers is great, but so is the will to help. Every dollar and diaper donated will benefit families in need in our area through Catholic Charities’ PPA Program. With the help of the entire Diocese, our community can help reach the goal of collecting 800 packs of diapers. If you can donate, please consider dropping off a pack of diapers or wipes at one of the locations listed above.