Many don’t realize that WIC and SNAP benefits do not cover the cost of diapers. Families without a lot of cash to spend at one time or a credit card pay MORE for diapers. Why? They are usually forced to buy diapers in smaller quantities, often at corner stores where the price is higher; they cannot afford to take advantage of diaper subscriptions that send diapers regularly for a discount; and they cannot afford memberships to discount bulk stores. Families should not have to re-use dirty diapers, risking the health of their children. Read more about the difficulties families face getting diapers here.

We worried that 2020 would be a tough year for the Metro-Boston Diaper Drive. We wondered if an entirely virtual Drive would be half as effective as our usual Drive with boxes in over 30 locations where people can donate opened packages of diapers that their children outgrew. With COVID-19, families struggling to work while managing children in the absence of full-time school in most towns, an election, an uncertain economy, and so many other issues to focus on, we wondered if people would give this year. But our amazing donors came through, making 2020 the most successful year yet for the Metro-Boston Diaper Drive.

WIC clients have been moved to learn that the diapers come from other families that care about their family, and we are gratified to know that so many families will be helped this year thanks to our generous donors. There are so many good causes out there to support, and we are grateful to everyone who helps to make the Metro-Boston Diaper drive more successful every year.

Due to COVID-19, the 2020 Metro-Boston Diaper Drive will be entirely virtual. Unfortunately, this eliminates a major source of diapers – opened packages from families whose children have outgrown a size. We hope our wonderful partners and volunteers will help spread the word and that our generous donors will make up the difference, as the need is tremendous this year.

WIC Somerville, which serves Somerville, Cambridge, Arlington, Watertown, Lexington, Bedford, Lincoln, and Belmont helps approximately 3000 clients, including 568 infants and 1800 children between the ages of one and five.  Many income earners in families served have lost their jobs because of COVID-19 but did not qualify for relief benefits.  This causes families to have to make difficult decisions between food, diapers, and other needs.  These are decisions no family should have to make. We hope you will consider making a donation and spreading the word. Thank you for your support!

We are thrilled to report that we collected 48,618 diapers and wipes this year! WIC offices in the Metro Boston area were able to provide more diapers to families in need than ever, and those families were so grateful. Our contact at WIC reported that moms were particularly touched to learn that so many mothers wanted to help other mothers. Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers and collection sites! And thank you to everyone who donated.

The Metro-Boston Diaper Drive received a generous donation of 5000 plant-based diapers from Diaper start-up, Zera Life.  The company aims to provide a diaper made from 100% renewable sources, with the comfort of cloth, and the convenience of disposables.  Founded by MIT engineer Amrita Saigal, Zera Life will provide diapers for parents who want high-performing, non-toxic diapers for their children.  The diapers are ideal for parents concerned about the environment, harsh chemicals, or for those who have children with sensitive skin. Zera life is trying to make “the world a little better, one tush at a time,” and the Metro-Boston Diaper Drive is so grateful for their generosity!  Learn more at https://zeralife.com/.  

Moms Kim and Kerstin are busy preparing for this year’s Diaper Drive. We are contacting past hosts and volunteers, adding new collection points, seeking new volunteers to manage boxes, and building a cadre of volunteers to approach area businesses to request in-kind diaper donations. If you can help in any way, please reach out! We hope to collect 50,000 diapers this year!

The results are in!  Somerville’s WIC office received 44,832 diaper donations this year, making 2018 our most successful year yet!  Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteers, and partnered with us.  You have helped hundreds of families!

With some diapers still left to be dropped off, WIC reports that they have now received a total of 31,968 diapers and 4288 wipes! Well done volunteers and partners! And, as always, thank you to our generous donors.

We want to give a big thank you to Bedford’s Whole Foods for donating 1,460 diapers today to the Metro-Boston Diaper Drive.  We appreciate their commitment to helping those in need.  

As of this morning, the WIC office in Somerville has received 13,789 diapers.  Donation boxes are in place until at least this Sunday, so that total will rise dramatically once all the diapers donated at collection points are delivered. 

Most experts agree that babies will go through 2500 and 3000 diapers per year, so generous donors have already provided a month’s supply of diapers to 66 families in need.  Please click on our donate button on the homepage to make your contribution.