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Free Diaper Distribution, Friday, September 25, on Northshore
Event supports families and caregivers financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
(PITTSBURGH) September 21, 2020 -- Local humanitarian aid organization Global Links, WesternPA Diaper Bank (WPDB) and the Pittsburgh Pirates have partnered to host a drive-up diaper distributionevent on Friday, September 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Northshore, Gold Lot 1A, outside of HeinzField. The distribution will be equipped to serve up to 750 cars.
Families and caregivers of young children who are experiencing financial hardship are invited toline up by car to receive two cases (eight packages) of diapers, as well as two packages of wipes, at nocost to families.
Parents and caregivers will have the option of choosing up to two different sizes of diapers.
“Many local families are struggling financially due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19
pandemic,” says Global Links Executive Director Angela Garcia. “Diapers are a necessity, but they are costly, and they cannot be purchased with SNAP or EBT benefits, making them a required cash purchase.
By working together, Global Links and the Western PA Diaper Bank have been able to leverage our grant dollars and relationships with vendors to secure diaper inventory, and with the assistance of the Pittsburgh Pirates providing a location and logistical support, we are able to host another day for parents and caregivers to acquire diapers for the young children in their care.”
All vehicles attending the diaper distribution should enter at Gold Lot 1A.
Cathy Battle, Founder and Executive Director of the Western PA Diaper Bank, states, “Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit our region, the WPDB has been distributing 60,000-70,000 diapers per month. Comparatively, our typical distribution levels during this same time last year was no more than 50,000 per month. The need is astronomical and so sudden. With this distribution, we hope to alleviate some community need, while bringing awareness to the greater need that still exists.”
The National Diaper Bank estimates that an infant uses 8-12 diapers per day and a toddler uses 6-8 diapers per day. The National Diaper Bank Network reports that 1 in 3 American families struggle to afford diapers for their children. At the rate of six diapers per day, diaper-wearing children in poverty in the United States require more than 5.8 billion diapers annually. This suggests that 77,000 diapers per day are required to meet diaper need in Allegheny County. As always, the need is much greater than the supply.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic we have sought out ways to help those most in need
throughout the greater Pittsburgh area. This is another example of teaming-up with great local organizations to make a meaningful impact,” said Pirates president Travis Williams.
“We are proud to partner with Global Links and the Western PA Diaper Bank to assist in the important work they are doing. Coming together in times like this to help others is what Pittsburghers do.”
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About Global Links
Global Links is a medical relief and development organization dedicated to supporting health
improvement initiatives in resource-poor communities, primarily in the Western Hemisphere. Global Links collaborates with U.S. healthcare institutions and the community to rescue hundreds of tons of high-quality surplus medical materials every year that would otherwise be sent to landfills. These materials are shared with public health facilities around the world and with non-profit organizations in Western Pennsylvania that are providing care for their community’s most vulnerable people. For more information, visit www.globallinks.org. Global Links. Sharing Surplus. Saving Lives.
About Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank
Founded in 2012, the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank (WPDB) is the only regional nonprofit organization focused solely on the distribution of diapers to low-income families. Additionally, the WPDB acts as an informal clearinghouse referring families to additional social service organizations as needed. A few highlights over the past eight years include expansion into three counties, (Allegheny, Fayette, and Westmoreland), growing from an initial six partner agencies to twenty-eight, distributing more than a million diapers at no cost to families in need, as well as, securing warehouse space and office space in three counties. Co-founder and Executive Director, Cathy Battle has received recognition for her organizational dedication including three consecutive Jefferson Awards, one of which she shares with her husband, the Rev. Phillip Battle.
The Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank strives to bring public awareness of the diaper crisis in our region. By partnering with other non-profit agencies, faith-based institutions, and childcare providers, the Western PA Diaper Bank aims to increase the distribution of diapers to families and individuals in need.
For additional information, please visit www.wpadiaperbank.org. The Blessing is in the Diaper.
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