NEW ORLEANS – In recognition of National Diaper Need Awareness week Sept. 14-20, the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) is challenging the community to donate 15,000 diapers to be distributed to area families in need through the organization’s Diaper Bank.
According to the National Diaper Bank Network, nearly 1 in 2 U.S. families cannot afford enough diapers to keep their child clean, dry and healthy, increasing exposure to potential health risks. Those caregivers report missing an average of 5.3 days of work each month because they lack the diapers required by childcare facilities and mothers are at an increased risk for maternal depression.
Diaper insecurity is especially acute in Louisiana, where 167,537 children are under age 3 and nearly half of those families, 48%, earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level compared with 37% nationally. To address the diaper need in New Orleans, JLNO founded the Diaper Bank in 2014 and has distributed more than 11.1 million diapers to local families in need.
“The average monthly supply of diapers costs upwards of $100 and many families choose to go without a meal or skip paying essential bills to purchase diapers. While diapers are a basic necessity, they are not covered directly by government assistance programs like SNAP or WIC,” said JLNO president Shelby Wynne. “At the Junior League of New Orleans, we distribute an average of 1 million diapers per year and we’re proud to work alongside our community distribution partners to increase access and advocate for families.”
Diaper Need Awareness Week Donations
Workplaces, schools, faith communities and neighborhoods are encouraged to host diaper drives. Free drive planning resources and promotional materials are available at www.jlno.org/diaperneed.
Donations can be made through JLNO’s Amazon Wish List or dropped off starting Thursday, Sept. 10, through Sunday, Sept. 20, at the locations listed below.
Jefferson Parish
- JLNO Diaper Bank (1109 N. Al David Rd., Unit A in Elmwood)
Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- East Jefferson General Hospital (4200 Houma Blvd.)
- Lakeside Hospital (4700 S I-10 Service Rd W.)
- Ochsner Health Center for Children (1315 Jefferson Hwy.)
- West Jefferson Medical Center (101 Medical Center Blvd.)
Orleans Parish
- JLNO Headquarters (4319 Carondelet St.)
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Extended drop-off time available Thursday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m.
- New Orleans East Hospital (5620 Read Blvd.)
- Louisiana Children’s Museum (15 Henry Thomas Dr.)
- Manning Family Children’s (200 Henry Clay Dr.)
- Touro (1401 Foucher St.)
- University Medical Center New Orleans (2000 Canal St.)
Diapers donated during Diaper Needs Awareness week will be packaged by JLNO volunteers in the Diaper Bank’s Benson Volunteer Center and distributed through a network of 29 local distribution partners. Community members interested in volunteering at the Diaper Bank can sign up for volunteer shifts at www.jlno.org/diaperneed or contact diaperbank@jlno.org for more information.
Families in need of diapers can find a full list of distribution partners at www.jlno.org/diaperbank.