Local non-profit Infant Crisis Services reports one in four Oklahoma children struggle with hunger. But did you know three in four struggle with diaper need?
ICS helps provide families in need with necessities like diapers and formula. Parents of children age 4 and under can visit Infant Crisis Services a total of five times, each time receiving a package of essentials that includes a week’s worth of diapers.
Danielle Morgan, volunteer coordinator at ICS, said when parents living in poverty can’t afford diapers, they sometimes take drastic measures like washing off a diaper and reusing it or leaving the same diaper on for an entire day.
“I wish people would be more open with asking for help with diapers,” Morgan said. “It’s so important. I think a lot of the time they think if they can just make it through one more day it’s going to get better. But until you can get on top of it you’re not going to get very far.”
Diapers are not covered by federal assistance programs like WIC (Women, Infants and Children). So although diapers are still a necessity just like food, low-income parents often have to make difficult decisions about using diapers.
Besides obvious health issues like diaper rash and urinary tract infections, experts report diaper need can lead to serious issues like anxiety among parents that can even lead to child abuse.
We’re partnering with Infant Crisis Services to host a drive through Sept. 7 called Strengthen Their Start. As you go back-to-school shopping, pick up diapers, wipes and baby wash and drop them off at ICS (4224 N. Lincoln Blvd.) or any of the drop-off locations listed at www.infantcrisis.org and below:
Infant Crisis Services, Inc: 4224 N Lincoln Blvd, OKC
Metro Gymnastics: 7420 N Broadway Ext, Suite F, OKC
Green Bambino: 5120 N Shartel Ave, OKC
Just Kids Pediatrics: 2921 SW 89th St, OKC
Just Kids Pediatrics: 400 N Eastern Ave, Moore
Sam Noble Museum: 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman
Tulips: 50 Buchanan Ave, Norman
Hackney Chiropractic: 408 S. Santa Fe Ave, Edmond
Children’s Dentistry of Coffee Creek: 2800 N Kelly Ave, Suite 200, Edmond
Edmond Birthing Center: 14901 Kelly Ave, Edmond, OK
Upsy Daizy: 60 East 33rd, Edmond
The Dance Department: 1110 South Air Depot, #11, Midwest City
Take your donations of diapers (preemie to size 6), baby wash and/or baby wipes to one of these convenient locations by Sept. 7.
