On May 21, 2016 dozens of states across the U.S will be raising awareness of the diaper dilemma many American families find themselves in.
Government benefit programs for low income families such as food stamps help cover food costs, and cash assistance programs (such as TANF) help offset costs of living such as rent, mortgage payments and utilities. Local community resources such as Food Banks help to offset food costs as well, however, these benefit programs do not cover the cost of diapers. Low income families with children in diapers find themselves rationing diapers or keeping their children in soiled diapers longer, in order to stretch out their supply. This can cause stress and physical issues. Statistically, low income families spend more money on diapers per month than families who do not report a struggle, because they are unable to purchase diapers in bulk and end up paying a higher unit price and purchasing diapers more frequently. This leads us to a shocking statistic: 1 in 3 families report a diaper need.
Doulas Northwest is helping to raise awareness of this deficit in assistance by bringing the first annual No Child Wet Behind 5K Diaper Drive & 1 mile Family Fun Run on May 21, 2016 to Olympia. This event will be held at Heritage Park in downtown Olympia. The 5K will begin at 8am and the 1 mile Family Fun Run will begin at 9am. There will be music, vendor booths and more!
Diapers and proceeds towards this event will be donated to The YWCA’s Other Bank as well as being handed out to local churches, women shelters and food banks throughout Thurston and Pierce County.
Registration is $20 for the 5K, and registered runners must bring a package of diapers on the day of the race to receive their T-shirts and Swag Bags. There is no cost for the 1 mile Family Fun Run.
Doulas Northwest is partnering with the following sponsors: Windermere Real Estate, The Birthing Inn, Olympia Obstetrics and Gynecology and Mother Nurture Ultrasound. These generous sponsors have donated their dollars to benefit their local communities!
For those who are not able to participate on the day of the event, diaper donation boxes are located at several locations. Thurston County: South Sound Running in Olympia, Russell Chiropractic in Tumwater, Tumwater Pack & Ship in Tumwater, Ralph’s and Bayview Thriftway (between April 18-May 21) Pierce County: The Birthing Inn in Tacoma, Lakewood Police Department in Lakewood and Mother Nurture Ultrasound in Puyallup.
To register for No Child Wet Behind 5K Diaper Drive & 1mi Family Fun Run on May 21, 2016, go to: NoChildWetBehind.com and click on the Olympia location.
If you would like to help sponsor this event, contact Doulas Northwest at info@doulasnorthwest.com or 360.602.1564.
