NC diaper bank seeks funding to keep up post-Helene distribution
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The Diaper Bank of North Carolina is asking state lawmakers for $1.3 million to keep distributing diapers in parts of western North Carolina still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
Why it matters: When it's not responding to a natural disaster, the diaper bank distributes as many as 800,000 diapers to 65 counties every month.
- After Helene rocked North Carolina's mountain communities, the diaper bank rushed supplies to the region, bringing the total number of counties the organization serves to 93.
- In just eight days, the diaper bank has distributed 1 million diapers and 1 million other products, including formula, wipes feminine hygiene products and adult incontinence supplies, its founder and CEO Michelle Schaefer-Old tells Axios.
Driving the news: The organization's stock is dwindling, but the need for diapers isn't.
- The diaper bank is asking lawmakers, who will return to Raleigh Wednesday to consider a disaster relief package, for funds to restock and continue serving the western part of the state through spring.
- Its requested $1.3 million would give the diaper bank the ability to distribute approximately 4 million diapers, Schaefer-Old told Axios.
- "This storm is something we'll be dealing with for years," Schaefer-Old said. "We're still serving families that were affected by Hurricane Florence in 2018."
Zoom in: Parts of the region also still lack safe or running water. That means families can't wash bottles or can't make bottles of formula for infants.
- In light of this, the diaper bank has been providing storm victims with bottles and premade bottles of formula.
- "It's just vulnerable families that are struggling in every way you can imagine," Schaefer-Old said.
Context: Nearly one in two families cannot afford diapers every month, Schaefer-Old said.
- WIC, which provides food for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, does not cover diapers. Neither do food stamps.
- Families affected by Helene who didn't experience diaper needs before will now experience it, Schaefer-Old said, because they'll have additional expenses like home restoration and repair.
- "Things are just harder to come by," Schaefer-Old said.
Of note: FEMA provides "Serious Needs Assistance" to help survivors pay for disaster-related needs, including food, water, infant formula and diapers. Families can receive a one-time payment of $750.
- Yes, but: Navigating the program can be difficult, especially as many in western North Carolina still lack internet, cell service and power.
How you can help: Diaper Bank of NC is holding a diaper drive through Friday, Oct. 11, at 12pm.
- Drop diapers, wipes, baby bottles, formula, and period products off at Davis Family Chiropractic at 7901 Strickland Road, Ste. 115 in Raleigh.
- Its most-needed diaper sizes are newborn and Size 1.