FAIRBORN — A healthy baby requires 10 to 12 diaper changes a day, while toddlers need about eight. Diaper need, according to Community Relations and Marketing Coordinator Leslie Marsh of Hannah’s Treasure Chest, is lacking a consistent and adequate supply of diapers in order to keep tots clean and healthy.
The City of Fairborn has proclaimed this week, Sept. 28 through Oct. 4, as diaper needs awareness week.
“Most people are really shocked to find out that diapers and hygiene products are not allowed as purchases on government assistant funds,” Marsh said. “It’s classified as not a basic need, but everyone knows that those are true basic needs. Not having enough diapers for your child creates a domino effect that puts a barrier in the way of a family pulling themselves out of poverty.”
Daycare centers may require caregivers to supply enough diapers for a day. Therefore if a family cannot provide that, their child would not be eligible to attend daycare, which may prevent caregivers from going to work or school and keep them from getting above the poverty line, according to Marsh.
Executive Director Sarah Williams of Hannah’s Treasure Chest said diaper needs awareness week is pushed across the country, and provides an opportunity to talk about the cause.
“When diapers are not changed regularly, children suffer from skin issues such as diaper rash or yeast infections and, if they are ill, germs that pass out in feces can be spread from child to caregiver and other people who come in contact with the child,” she said in an email interview.
Hannah’s Treasure Chest has been registered with the National Diaper Bank Network for three years, and will accept new or opened packages of diapers. It is located at 124 Westpark Road in Centerville, and has a drop-off area within the women’s center of Wright State University. Families who receive supplies from Hannah’s Treasure Chest are working with local agencies to do so. Individuals can find more information at the local United Way.
“[We don’t want] those (diapers) to go to waste,” Marsh said. “They could end up making an impact on families out there that really need these things.”
