Crossing Rivers Obstetrics Department holds diaper drive
In the bowels of the Bargain Boutique, past the cash register, the bookshelves and the collections of records, clothing and novelties, Jann Sturmer, Clothing Center and Food Program Coordinator for the Couleecap, had shelves of food, baby formula and, yes, diapers.
“We have very limited diapers right now,” Sturmer said. She sifted through the sealed packages of diapers, each one labeled by size. There were several size one packages, and a noticeable amount of empty space. “It would be nice to fill this section back up with diapers.”
On Sept. 27, Crossing Rivers announced the Crossing Rivers Health Community Diaper Drive. Anyone can drop off diapers at the Crossing Rivers Health Cafeteria for the entirety of October. The cafeteria is located at Crossing Rivers’ campus located at 37868 US-18 in Prairie du Chien, WI.
All diapers will then be donated to Couleecap for distribution to families in need.
Diapers are one of many needs families continuously seek out. Unlike food or formula, diapers cannot be purchased under food assistance programs, like SNAP or WIC, and, according to Healthy Mommy & Baby, one in three families do not have a sufficient diaper supply. The National Diaper Bank Network purported a national average of $100 spent per child per month on diapers. The reality has been that many families struggle to obtain enough diapers to properly take care of their children. The results are increased rashes and infections for their children.
Sturmer stated all donations are welcome. “One month, somebody is short one size, the next they’re short a different one, we don’t have a demand for a certain size.”
The Couleecap works with numerous programs for those in need. Along with diapers, the food pantry is located at the Bargain Boutique location. Couleecap also helps to provide rental assistance, help for the homeless in the Crawford County and surrounding areas.