Some Oglethorpe County parents can receive between 25-75 free diapers every month, thanks to Diaper Days, a collaboration between the Oglethorpe County School System and Community Christmas, and in partnership with the Athens Area Diaper Bank.
The diaper bank partnership was renewed for a second year. The Athens Area Diaper Bank provides diapers for around 75 children in Oglethorpe County each month, but this is an expansion of that program.
“Everything we can do to serve the families who are not yet connected with the school system, the more we can connect them with other services the better,” said Shirley Dillard, co-director of Community Christmas. “I think it’s an important part of meeting the multitude of needs in the county.”
Parents who are registered with Community Christmas or receive Georgia WIC vouchers can receive the free diapers two times a month at Oglethorpe County High School.
Foothills Regional High School and the Oglethorpe County Library also keep diapers on hand for anyone who needs assistance.
According to the Athens Area Diaper Bank, diapers can cost around $1,000 a year. This causes some families to reuse diapers or leave a baby in a soiled diaper for too long. Diaper need is a problem that one in three families in the U.S. face.
“These families aren’t getting all the diapers they need,” Dillard said. “They’re getting what the national organization has said is the diaper deficit, on average for a family, when they can no longer afford to buy diapers. We’re not under an illusion that we’re giving all the diapers that any family needs, but they’re very appreciative of it.”
Jodie Zeuke, family liaison/parent mentor for the school system, also participates in the diaper program.
“The community is very supportive; the families are very appreciative,” she said. “Diapers are expensive. And to know that even if they miss one of the diaper days, they can call me in an emergency, and we’ll make sure they get them in probably the next 24 hours.”