RAPID CITY, S.D. — September 21-27 is National Diaper Need Awareness Week.
Volunteers of America’s Mommy’s Closet is one of three diaper banks in the state and the only one West River.
Community partners like the City of Rapid City and Monument Health will also be hosting diaper drives in the coming weeks. The City of Rapid City’s diaper drive will be September 21- October 2 at City Hall.
Monument Health has a diaper drive for the month of September where diapers can be dropped off at 2529 Regional Way.
Mommy’s Closet will be at Family Fare in Baken Park and Sam’s Club this month to promote the drive.
The average cost for diapers per month for one child is 80 dollars. Not having money for diapers affects many families’ bottom dollar.
Kelly Folsom, the Advancement Specialist at Volunteers of America, says, “They [diaper supply] affect people’s ability to provide food and shelter if they can’t afford them, so it’s a consequence of poverty that we don’t really think about.”
Daycare centers require diapers for child placement, if no diapers are supplied then it could affect families work or school situations.
Folsom says, “There is an estimated four days of work that people that have needs – that they miss four days every month between school or work because of not having an adequate supply.”
Mommy’s Closet helps out over 200 families per month with the need and gives out 100,000 diapers a year.
The diaper drive ensures that babies have access to clean diapers and other basic necessities required for them to thrive and reach their full potential.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are giving families one month’s worth of diapers and supplies, rather than weekly. The most needed size diaper is size 5.
You can drop off donations at 111 New York Street, Rapid City Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Folsom also mentioned that cloth diapers are not hygienic or practical for families with only one sink or no washer and dryer at home. Laundromats won’t let you launder soiled diapers.
And typically daycare centers do not allow cloth diapers.
Mommy’s Closet also has vouchers for clothing, new blankets, formal and wipes for families in need.
You can also donate money for this cause- click here.
Click here to donate funds to the diaper drive.
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