Kansas City’s new diaper bank has KC babies covered. Happy Bottoms received a huge donation of diapers on Tuesday.
The organization says it takes about 250,000 diapers to help babies in the Kansas City area in one month.
“That’s because diapers aren’t covered by anything,” said Liz Sutherlin with Happy Bottoms. “You can’t by them with food stamps or WIC dollars. So, if you’re a family in need you struggle and make trade offs to be able to just diaper your baby.”
Bianca Hunter agrees. She is a single mom who lost her job. She says every month she always has one big need…diapers.
“Diapers and wipes, that’s a blessing,” Hunter said.
She gets diapers from Happy Bottoms through the Healthy Start Program.
“I’m trying to potty train him but he’s still too young,” Hunter said. “When I can’t afford them, they’re available to assist me. I’m glad I have them.”
Happy Bottoms says there is a real need for diapers. Parents who can’t afford diapers will leave dirty diapers on longer which can lead to rash or infection. It leads to an unhappy baby which leads to stressed parents.
“Studies show parents who are stressed out over things like their baby crying all the time are more likely to abuse their children,” Sutherlin said.
That’s why the diaper donation is so important. Huggies donated a truck load of diapers through the new National Diaper Bank Network. Tuesday’s donation in Kansas City is just one of 12 donations arriving at diaper banks all over the country. It’s being sorted by Happy Bottoms partner Hope Faith Ministries. More than 200 homeless families will receive diapers.
Hunter says she’s glad so many families will get the help they need.
“That’s a number one priority that you have to have when it comes to children is diapers,” Hunter said. “They have to have their butts covered!”
Happy Bottoms says it’s still a new organization and needs lots of support, donations and volunteers.
To learn more about the organization click here. To checkout their website click here.