The groundbreaking Every Little Bottom Study, commissioned by Kimberly-Clark’s Huggies® brand reveals diaper need is a critical issue in the United States among low income families. Today, 1 in 2 American families struggle with diaper need (not having enough diapers for their baby).
The Huggies® research reinforced studies done by United Way Fox Cities’ Financial Stability Impact Committee that diaper need is a real concern for many families in the Fox Cities. This need resulted in the decision to establish the Fox Cities Diaper Bank, an initiative of United Way Fox Cities, which launched in 2011.
In low-income households a baby may be in a single diaper all day, increasing the risk of health problems, from skin disease to hepatitis. Access to a sufficient supply of diapers is essential for the health of our Fox Cities infants, but too many people do not have the resources to adequately provide for this basic need.
Parents who cannot afford to provide required disposable diapers for child care, often leave the workforce until their children are out of diapers. Without enough diapers for routine changes, parents feel distressed and find the job of parenting more stressful.
United Way Fox Cities serves as the lead in the coordination/collection of diapers, which are then delivered to designated agencies, and distributed directly to families in need. An average of 1,200 children receive diapers on a monthly basis.
The diaper bank collects, stores, and helps distribute diapers to struggling low-income families. Diapers are obtained through financial donations and local community diaper drives.
Our diaper donations are inventoried and stored at VPI, Inc. Once the diapers are inventoried, they are transferred to local community agencies for distribution to other nonprofit agencies or directly to families and children in need.
If you reside in the Fox Cities service area, the Kimberly-Clark Diaper Bank is a possible resource for your family. Distribution of the diapers collected and purchased through the Kimberly-Clark Diaper Bank is currently done primarily through local agencies. To receive diapers, you must first apply and qualify for services at one of the partner organizations distributing diapers for the Kimberly-Clark Diaper Bank:
You can find partner organizations distributing diapers for the Kimberly-Clark Diaper Bank by clicking here for a visual layout with logos and links or here for a spreadsheet layout with names and links.
At the present time, the Kimberly-Clark Diaper Bank is stocked with sizes newborn and 1-6 diapers. Please check with the agencies because their internal inventory may have changed due to demand. Diapers are available at no cost to eligible families.
If you need additional help, please call United Way 211 by dialing 211 or 1-800-924-5514 for free, confidential local information and referrals, available 24/7.
Annually, Diaper Need Awareness Week (DNAW) draws national attention to this consequence of poverty.
A key activity of DNAW is the securing of state and local proclamations. In 2023, Governor Tony Evers issued a proclamation in Wisconsin recognizing diaper need. Mayor Jake Woodford of Appleton and Mayor Merkes of Menasha also issued local proclamations.
You can help by donating dollars or diapers. You can also lead diaper drives, discuss child poverty issues, or talk #diaperneed on social media. Let us know what you will do to help keep babies clean, dry, and healthy.
Infographics and illustrations provided by the National Diaper Bank Network.
Community members are invited to join us at Community Diaper Repacks throughout the year. Visit our events page HERE for dates and registration.
If your group would like to volunteer, please contact Renae Verstegen, Community Engagement Manager, via email at Renae.Verstegen@UnitedWayFoxCities.org. You may also complete our Volunteer Opportunity Form HERE to request an individual or group volunteer opportunity.
