The CNY Diaper Bank, a local, volunteer-run nonprofit that collects diapers for families in need, is holding a live, virtual holiday “crafternoon” event on Sunday, Dec. 20, from 4 to 5 p.m., with Claire McKenney from Right Mind Syracuse. The event is free for families to participate. Pre-registration is required at CNYDiaperBank.org. Donations are encouraged, and all proceeds will go toward diaper purchases to keep area babies dry, clean and healthy. While completing a holiday craft at home, participants can sing along to Christmas songs and will also be eligible to win prizes. A list of suggested materials for the event is posted on the diaper bank’s website.
The CNY Diaper Bank has seen an increased number of families facing diaper need, and in response, has doubled its distribution to more than 1.9 million diapers this year alone.
“Throughout these difficult times we are seeing more families in our community struggling to make ends meet, and donations to our diaper distribution program are critical in helping us bring comfort to babies and peace of mind to parents,” said Michela Hugo, founder of the CNY Diaper Bank. “Though they are an essential need for babies, diapers are not covered by public safety-net programs and ours is the only program in the area that addresses diaper need.”
The CNY Diaper Bank works with 34 partner agencies in the area to distribute more than 185,000 diapers to more than 3,500 local babies and toddlers each month. The organization has distributed more than 3 million diapers since its inception.
The most effective way to support the CNY Diaper Bank is through monetary donations. The organization can purchase diapers for families in bulk for an average cost of just 13 cents per diaper, compared with the retail price of 25-35 cents apiece.
The CNY Diaper Bank was founded in May 2016 after Hugo learned that local agencies were forced to turn away families in need of diapers. She used the support and guidance of the National Diaper Bank Network to start a diaper bank in Syracuse.
For more information about the CNY Diaper Bank or to register for the upcoming holiday “crafternoon” event, please visit CNYDiaperBank.org.
