Over a year ago I came across an article about a woman who had an innovative idea: create an area diaper bank by enlisting friends and family to collect diapers on an ongoing basis and donate the diapers to families in need.
After learning that in poor and low-income families - a baby can spend a day or longer in one diaper, which can lead to potential health and abuse risks - and that safety net programs such as the Food Stamps and Women Infants and Children do not cover the cost of diapers, I became inspired to take a more active role within the community and work to help families provide this basic need to their babies and toddlers.
My effort began last year when two of my co-workers showed up with two boxes of diapers to donate. That same day I sent an e-mail to friends and family asking for diaper donations.
I received a tremendous response. To date, I've been able to donate 11,324 diapers and pull-ups to the Hope Network, an organization in Menomonee Falls that distributes the diapers to families in need.
What could have been a one-time donation is slowly expanding - not because of me, but because of the support and commitment from my family, friends, co-workers and people in the community I've never even met.
My motivation and inspiration to continue this effort comes from them, and I'd like to say thank you to all who have donated diapers, money, clipped diaper coupons, shared my e-mails with friends and family and simply have been there to support and encourage me to keep going.
- Jenny Schroeder
Menomonee Falls
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