Delaware 2-1-1 delivers thousands of diapers to Delawareans

As a result of Delaware 2-1-1 staff members noticing an increase in calls from parents in need of diapers for their children, the help hotline, led locally by United Way of Delaware, launched a statewide diaper drive during October to replenish the supply of diapers to agencies across the state that provide diapers to families in need.

On Nov. 5 Delaware 2-1-1 and United Way of Delaware began the distribution Nov. 5 of more than 40,000 diapers to agencies statewide. Corporate partners included Proctor & Gamble Dover Wipes Company, University of Delaware, Nemours, Easter Seals, YMCA, Normanco, the staff of Delaware 2-1-1 and United Way of Delaware, and there were also donations from the community. P&G Dover Wipes Company was an initial pacesetter, committing to provide two pallets of diapers in the beginning of October and arriving on Tuesday with a truckload of more than 35,000 diapers to be distributed specifically to agencies in Kent and Sussex counties.

Agencies that will distribute the donated diapers include Adopt-A-Family and Love In the Name of Christ (Love Inc.) in New Castle County; The Pregnancy Help Center, Mom’s House Inc. and Delaware Adolescent Program Inc. in Kent County; and Kent/Sussex Adopt-A-Family and Sussex Pregnancy Center in Sussex County.

Delaware 2-1-1, the information and referral help hotline for the state of Delaware, strives to provide the Delaware community with access to health and human services to meet their everyday needs.

"On average, a baby uses 10 diapers a day, which is about 300 per month, so raising more than 40,000 diapers could potentially help about 133 families with a fairly unlimited supply of diapers for their babies in a month,“ said Michelle Taylor, president and chief executive officer of United Way of Delaware. “This could not happen without the generous support of the community overall, and we're grateful for every pack of diapers any individual actually contributed."

For more information or to make a contribution, to advocate or volunteer for United Way of Delaware, go to www.uwde.org or call 302-573-3700.