The Village of Park Forest and Gifts from Liam are hosting their first Diaper Donation Drive from Monday through the end of the month to help families in need.
The drive coincides with Diaper Need Awareness Week, which is Sept. 23-29, and draws attention to the issue of diaper need in the United States.
Margaret Lewis, the Assistant Director of Recreation, Parks, & Community Health, highlighted the collaboration between the Village and Gifts from Liam, a local nonprofit that addresses diaper insecurity. Established last December, this partnership has garnered an overwhelming response, with over 250 requests for assistance from Park Forest residents and nearby areas. This translates to almost one family seeking help each day, underscoring the pressing need for diapers among families in the community.
"As the price of basic goods continues to rise, it strains families and creates a diaper insecurity for many," Lewis said. "A study a few years ago showed one in two U.S. families cannot afford enough diapers to keep their infant or child clean, dry, and healthy."
Lewis said these babies are more vulnerable to painful rashes and urinary tract infections and have more trips to the doctor. She added that sometimes, parents miss work or school because they can't afford the diapers required to leave their babies in childcare.
"I'm calling on the community to donate any size diaper or pull-up so we can help those families," Lewis said. "We're also accepting opened packages as we understand infants grow out of sizes quickly."
Lewis said there's a donation box in Park Forest Village Hall lobby, 350 Victory Drive. Monetary envelopes are also available at the Recreation, Parks & Community Health Department.