New Haven, CT., April 22, 2010 –
Did you know that at some shelters, the #1 need is not food or clothing– but diapers? According to the National Center on Family Homelessness, homeless families are typically comprised of a mother in her late twenties with two children. Almost half of the homeless children are under the age of six. These children rely on food stamps to live day-to-day. But food stamps and other safety net programs such as WIC won't pay for diapers – a staple for the good health and care of babies. Enter Help a Mother Out, an organization whose mission is simple: get diapers to families in need.
"It's heart-breaking, but social workers tell us that many mothers are re-using disposable diapers and letting their child sit in soiled diapers all day because they can't afford to buy more," said Lisa Truong, co-founder and Executive Director of Help a Mother Out. "This is unhealthy and can lead to painful diaper rash. And a fussy baby is more likely to be abused by an already stressed-out caregiver."
This May, in observance of Mother's Day, Help a Mother Out is holding a month-long nationwide campaign to collect diaper donations for homeless and low-income families.
There will be kick-off events, organized by local moms, in 11 cities across the US, from San Francisco, CA (flagship)
to New Haven, CT. (http://www.helpamotherout.org/events/mothersday2010/). Local mother of two, Christina Zito of Woodbridge, has organized a fun day of events here in Connecticut.
"I got involved when my friend, Kim Tracy Prince, originally of West Haven and now in California, called me up. Kim is the manager of the HAMO San Francisco chapter. She asked if I'd be willing to organize a diaper drive here in Connecticut." Christina explains, "I thought we'd do something fun. I'm calling it 'Rock your bottom'. The main events are a Zumbatomics class, which is Zumba for kids; a Family Yoga playground with live music, and a Zumba class for adults. And if you aren't feeling that energetic, we'll have mothers day crafts for the kids, and everyone who donates diapers gets a free raffle ticket, as well."
The 'price' for admission is a package of diapers. The event will be held Sunday May 2nd from 12:30-2:30 at Beecher Road School in Woodbridge. Details can be found at http://raisingmommyraisesawareness.blogspot.com/
Christina called on local fitness instructors to volunteer their time for her "Rock your bottom" diaper drive. "The response was overwhelming!" Instructors participating this year include: Laura Richling who teaches Zumba and Zumbatomics at locations throughout the area; Donna Paventy a Zumba instructor from Cheshire; Peg Oliviera, of Fresh Yoga, who will be teaching the Family Yoga playground accompanied by Liz McNicholl of Musical Folk. Crafts were donated by Oriental Trading Company, and additional sponsors include CR Socials, Southern Touch Therapeutic Massage, and Barefoot Wines.
All of the diapers collected will benefit the Diaper Bank. The Diaper Bank centralizes the fundraising and distribution of free diapers to poor and low-income families in New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford through its extensive Diaper Distribution Network (DDN). The DDN consists of more than 50 existing service providers, including local food pantries, soup kitchens, daycare centers, social service agencies and shelters.
Other ways to get involved include donating directly to the Diaper Bank, or to host a mini diaper drive at your workplace, school, or place of worship.
