As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to hit central New York, the CNY Diaper Bank has distributed more diapers to needy families than ever before.
"Families have lost income, have lost jobs, lost hours. Families are being forced to stay home with children, and they can’t keep up with this ongoing need," said Diaper Bank Executive Director Michela Hugo. "Diapers are really expensive, especially if you can’t buy in bulk."
Volunteers handed thousands of diapers to families with young children during a diaper giveaway Tuesday in Liverpool. Hugo said it’s one way the organization is dealing with an increased demand for diapers that started in March.
"We went from 100,000 a month to 185,000 a month, which is a huge increase," she said.
Hugo believes the increase is a direct result of the pandemic and economic shutdown that followed, which has taken a toll on many families. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, who was at the distribution event, said the diaper bank is the only way some of these families can keep their young kids dry and safe.
"Our regular assistance programs do not cover diapers," he said. "So if you think about that, and families that are unemployed and underemployed, and all the costs you have, and how expensive kids are. That assistance does not cover this. So this service is critical."
The CNY Diaper Bank works with 36 partner agencies in the area to distribute diapers to more than 3,500 local babies and toddlers each month. Hugo hopes these packages of diapers can make a difference in children’s lives.
"People are really desperate and nervous and stressed," she said. "And that is not a good environment to raise children in.
