APPLETON, Wis. — Macy Bauer and two fellow University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh nursing students volunteered their time recently at the Kimberly-Clark Diaper Bank.
“We are putting some diapers in these bags so we can send them off to families,” said Bauer.
The diapers go to 24 local agencies for distribution to families and help cover 1,200 babies a month.
“I did not know the need was so high,” said Bauer. “Obviously, families go through diapers so much, but I didn’t know there was such a great need. I’m glad I was able to learn more.”
The United Way Fox Cities said it takes volunteers such as Bauer to help meet the needs of local families.
“We have companies come in to volunteer their time anywhere from two to five times a week,” said Renae Verstegen, United Way Fox Cities’ community engagement manager.
Each family receives one or two packs of diapers monthly as a supplement. Additionally, donor-provided books get added to the package as well.
“We put a little barrier between the book and the diaper. We took the time to create a little information about reading with your child, the importance of it,” said Verstegen.
The packing room, optimized for repacking diapers in a clean environment, opened last year and moved over one million diapers to families.
But volunteers have been working on the diaper shortage problem for much longer.
“The diaper bank started back in 2011, and at that time it was one in three babies that needed clean diapers. Now it’s one in two. So the need continues to grow, which is really unfortunate,” said Kim Bassett, United Way Fox Cities’ board chair.
Recently, during a Diaper Needs Awareness Week event, Kimberly-Clark announced the donation of 250,000 diapers to the program.
“These families that are living on the poverty line, this is a game changer for them. This is something that enables them to live their lives in the best way possible and really help them get that leg up,” explained Laura Welsh of Kimberly-Clark.
As needs have increased over the years, volunteers have continued to step up.
“I have really enjoyed it. I think it’s a great cause. I’m definitely glad that I’m out here today, and I hope to come back,” said Bauer.
If they return, Bauer and her fellow nursing students will likely find plenty of ways to help.
“It’s definitely a community that comes together and helps supply these diapers. Whether it be giving, advocating, or coming in and volunteering, we couldn’t do it without the community’s help,” said Verstegen.
Anyone needing diapers or other United Way services can call 211 for essential community services.