Published On: Thu, Feb 11th, 2021

Diaper Drive: Pandemic Increases Need

Richard and Jane Zenker

Boca West Children’s Foundation Asks for Community Help with
6th Annual Diaper Drive

Boca Raton, FL — The Boca West Children’s Foundation (BWCF) goal is to collect 100,000 diapers for the Junior League of Boca Raton’s Diaper Bank, during the BWCF Diaper Drive. Diapers can be dropped off at the Vegso Community Resource Center, 261 N.W. 13th Street, Boca Raton now through February 28, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic, diaper requests have increased by 27%. Diapers in size 4 are particularly needed.

The Foundation has served as a major supporter of the Junior League of Boca Raton’s Diaper Bank since 2016 as it falls within the organization’s mission to help programs that aid local children.  “Clean diapers are as essential as food and shelter for a baby, and access to diapers impacts not only the health of a child, but their parents’ ability to work,” said Pamela Weinroth, Executive Director/COO of Boca West Children’s Foundation.  “Last year the Foundation collected 50,000 diapers and, with the need having increased this year, we have doubled our goal.”

Infants and toddlers who remain too long in soiled diapers, some children up to 24 hours, are at risk of urinary tract infections and skin infections.  Most all child-care centers, even free and subsidized facilities, require parents to provide a daily supply of disposable diapers to care for a baby. Without child-care, parents cannot go to work or school.

Throughout the year, BWCF also accepts monetary donations for the Diaper Bank. A donation of $25 will purchase 120 diapers, $50 will purchase 250 diapers, and $100 will purchase 500 diapers, according to the National Diaper Bank Network.  Donations may be made by check to Boca West Children’s Foundation and mailed to P.O. Box 3070, Boca Raton, FL 33431, or at  https://www.bocawestfoundation.org/6th-annual-diaper-drive/

A few facts about the need for diapers, according to the National Diaper Bank Network.
• Infants require up to 12 diapers per day, toddlers about 8.
• Disposable diapers can cost $70 to $80 per month per baby.
• No state or federal child safety-net program allocates dollars specifically for the purchase of diapers.
• Without transportation, buying diapers at a convenience store rather than a large “big box” store can significantly increase the monthly cost of diapers.
• Most childcare centers, even free and subsidized facilities require parents to provide a day’s supply of disposable diapers.
• The Supplemental Nutrition Supplement Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, do not cover diapers.  

About Boca West Children’s Foundation

The Boca West Foundation was launched in 2010 and came about as a desire by the thousands of volunteers from the Boca West Country Club to give back to children in Palm Beach County. The Foundation’s mission is to identify and fund projects to assist children and their families in need in the area.  Since its inception, the Foundation has granted more than $10 million for specific programs of more than 31 charities.

For more information, visit www.bocawestfoundation.org, call 561-488-6980 or email foundation@bocawestcc.org.

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