The Boca West Children’s Foundation (BWCF) collected more than 300,000 diapers for The Diaper Bank, Covering South Florida, during its Ninth Annual Diaper Drive, which just concluded, surpassing last year’s record of 280,000.
In addition to record-setting support from Boca West members, a number of groups contributed to the drive, including the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, Muse Design Studio, Boca West Realty, Spanish River Youth Peace and Action Club, and RCC Associates.
Studies show that one in two families struggle with diaper needs. The Foundation has served as a major supporter of the Diaper Bank since 2016 as it falls within the organization’s mission to help programs that aid at-risk children in Palm Beach County.
“Clean diapers are as essential as food to eat and a place to live for a baby. Whether or not a child has enough clean diapers impacts not only the child’s health, but their parents’ ability to work,” said Pamela Weinroth, Executive Director of Boca West Children’s Foundation. “We were thrilled to surpass last year’s total, especially given the 20% increase in the cost of diapers from last year.”
Infants and toddlers who remain in soiled diapers for too long are at risk of urinary tract infections and skin infections. Most child-care centers, even free and subsidized facilities, require parents to provide a daily supply of disposable diapers to care for a baby. Without child-care, parents cannot go to work or school.
Throughout the year, BWCF also accepts monetary donations for the Diaper Bank. A donation of $100 purchases 600 diapers.
A few facts about the need for diapers, according to the National Diaper Bank Network:
• Infants require up to 12 diapers per day, toddlers about 8.
• No state or federal child safety-net program allocates dollars specifically for the purchase of diapers.
• Without transportation, buying diapers at a convenience store rather than a large “big box” store can significantly increase the monthly cost of diapers.
• The Supplemental Nutrition Supplement Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, does not cover diapers.
About Boca West Children’s Foundation
The Boca West Children’s Foundation was launched in 2010 as a result of the desire by Boca West Country Club to give back to children in Palm Beach County. The Foundation’s mission is to identify and fund projects to assist underserved, at-risk children and their families in need. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised more than $18 million for specific programs for more than 30 charities.
For more information, visit www.bocawestfoundation.org, call 561-488-6980 or email foundation@bocawestcc.org.
