United Way of Champaign County acquires Bottom Line Diaper Bank
Program will expand reach thanks to donation from Christie Clinic
August 5, 2019
SAVOY, IL - United Way of Champaign County is pleased to announce it has acquired the Bottom Line Diaper Bank. Operational and administrative duties of the Diaper Bank have been transferred to United Way staff members, with significant volunteer assistance from United Way’s Emerging Community Leaders group. The Diaper Bank is housed at the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District.
Sue Grey, United Way President & CEO, said the Diaper Bank was a natural fit with United Way. “The Diaper Bank program aligns with our Community Impact priorities – improving Education, Health and Financial Stability. Diapers are expensive – an average of $80 a month per child. The Diaper Bank helps lessen this financial burden for our most vulnerable families. Additionally, babies without clean diapers are exposed to many potential health risks. Through the work of the Diaper Bank, United Way is improving the lives of our youngest community members.”
The purpose of the Bottom Line Diaper Bank is to raise awareness about diaper need and to help alleviate it in Champaign County. According to the National Diaper Bank Network, 1 in 3 families struggle with diaper need.
Christie Clinic has donated $1,500 to United Way to support the expansion of Diaper Bank operations. “Christie Clinic recognizes the dynamic impact and support the Bottom Line Diaper Bank provides to families in need. We are proud to partner with United Way of Champaign County in maximizing efforts to improve lives and supply diapers for our community," said Jenna Koss.
Similar to the food bank system, the Bottom Line Diaper Bank collects and stores diaper donations, in addition to purchasing diapers in bulk at a low cost. Local nonprofit and community organizations submit diaper orders monthly, and volunteers fill the orders. “We currently work with seven local groups to provide diapers for their clients. Our goal is to quickly expand both the number of diapers and groups the Diaper Bank distributes each month. Christie Clinic’s donation will help us immensely,” said Grey.
In addition to meeting diaper need, the acquisition of the Diaper Bank allows United Way to provide additional volunteer opportunities to its Workplace Campaign Partners and the broader community. “We hope there will be interest from the community in terms of donations, sponsorship and volunteerism. This program relies on donations and volunteers!” said Grey.
United Way is grateful for the over 5 years of work that Joy and Susan George, founders of Bottom Line Diaper Bank, put into establishing and building the Diaper Bank in our community. We are proud to take on this responsibility.
For more information, visit the Diaper Bank's page on our website.
