Dayton Diaper Depot is a local organization dedicated to alleviating the diaper crisis in Dayton and surrounding areas.

Dayton Diaper Depot is a local organization dedicated to alleviating the diaper crisis in Dayton and surrounding areas. Their motto: “Building Better Futures From the Bottom Up”.

Mary Beth Thomas, volunteer coordinator for the group, says the mission is “For every baby’s cry to be met with a clean diaper and help every parent to be equipped to fully participate in life no matter what.” The mission: “To improve the community’s social, economic, and health outcomes by providing access to basic hygiene products for those who need them most.”

The motto: “Building Better Futures From the Bottom Up”

Sobering statistics

According to the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) Diaper Check 2023, 47 percent of families reported diaper needs. That statistic was up from a 2010 investigation that put the statistic at 33 percent. Sadly, this ongoing need forces families to cut back on other essentials. Twenty-eight percent said they skipped meals and a quarter of the families had to miss work or school because they did not have adequate diapers to drop their children off at daycare.

Many of us don’t realize that Federal Assistance Programs such as SNAP and WIC are nutrition programs and do not help with purchasing diapers. The only program that can be used for diapers is Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), which also has to cover expenses such as heat, electric and water bills, rent, clothing, and transportation. Only 23 percent of families living below the Federal Poverty level receive TANF.

In April 2021, a group of women joined together to address the heartbreaking diaper need. “Once you understand the need, you just have to do something,” says Maggie Schneemann, a Washington Twp. mother and grandmother who serves as the group’s executive director. Other founders include Jenni Berreth, Doris Bonomini and a few others.

In the beginning, Dayton Diaper Depot distributed diapers to young mothers in several Dayton Public Schools so that their babies could stay in day care and they could continue their education. Every Monday, the mothers would receive 15 diapers to help during the school day. Statistics proved that attendance went up 10 percent for those mothers because they were secure in knowing their babies had ample diapers while they attended classes.

Dayton Diaper Depot has since grown and expanded to eight local high schools, several health organizations and food banks. Xenia Fish Food Pantry, Fairborn Food Pantry and House of Bread are a few of the food banks involved. Good Neighbor House, Greater Dayton Health Clinics and Dayton Children’s Partners for Kids are some of the health organizations that distribute diapers. There are diaper closets in Springfield, Mad River and Bellbrook as well.

For a more complete list of the Community Agencies served. visit Dayton Diaper Depot’s website at www.daytondiaperdepot.org.

Here’s what they need:

Your donations can be dropped off anytime in the barrels outside at Jacquie’s Hair Salon at 4085 Marshall Road in Kettering.

Other ways to help:

Can your organization use a new walker?

Sharon Newman of Clayton writes to say she reads “Make a Difference” every week and can’t believe the countless places that need donations and volunteers. “We have a new bariatric sized walker that we cannot use, and wondered if you could suggest the best place to donate,” she says.

Readers, let me know if your organization could make use of this walker.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Meredith Moss writes about Dayton-area nonprofit organizations and their specific needs. If your group has a wish list it would like to share with our readers, contact Meredith: [email protected].

Please include a daytime phone number and a photo that reflects your group’s mission.

About the Author

Meredith Moss has been writing for the Dayton Daily News for decades. She writes "On the Arts” features and the “Make a Difference” column focusing on non-profits. She volunteers and has received the YWCA's Woman of Influence' award and the Humanitarian award from the National Conference of Community and Justice. Email: [email protected]