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Maggie Eastman, of Sporty Girl Accessories, and Jim Diebler, of Sew 'n Save of Racine, are hosting a diaper drive to benefit Racine Diaper Ministry. All sizes for infants and toddlers are accepted, though size 4-7 is preferred. Pull-ups are welcomed. The diaper drive will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sew 'n Save, 3701 Durand Avenue.
RACINE — Two area small businesses have banded together to collect diapers for Racine Diaper Ministry, located at the North Point United Methodist Church.
On Saturday, Maggie Eastman, owner of Sporty Girl Accessories, will park her distinctive bus at Sew ‘n Save of Racine, 3701 Durand Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and anyone who would like to donate diapers or pull-ups can easily do so.
The preferred size for the diapers is 4-7; however, they will take all diapers and pullups for children.
Eastman teamed up with Jim Deibler, of Sew ‘n Save of Racine, who has prioritized community service.
“We’ve tried to be about that for a long time,” Deibler said.
Eastman decided to take action when she learned that programs such as WIC (Women, Infants, Children) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (i.e. food stamps) are nutrition-focused programs, so the assistance people get from those programs cannot be used to buy diapers.
Eastman’s daughter is employed as a childcare professional, and she relayed to her mother the struggles families sometimes have with providing diapers for their children.
Jean Gobeli, the coordinator for Racine Diaper Ministry, said “diaper need is the most-silent need” — that is, it’s not an issue that gets a lot of attention or talk.
However, it is a real issue for some families who are struggling financially.
According to Investopedia, a typical baby will need $1,000 worth of diapers and $450 worth of wipes in just their first year; that’s a cost of about $120.83 per month.
When the program started five years ago, each child received 20 diapers or 10 pull-ups. In mid-2020, the number of diapers was increased to 30 diapers while the number of pull-ups stayed the same: 10.
Those who receive diapers from the ministry may come in every two weeks.
Since starting the program in 2017, the Diaper Ministry has distributed:
Gobeli said the increase was probably due to word getting out about the service.
He began the Racine Diaper Ministry after coming across the website for the National Diaper Bank Network, where he learned about the need for diaper distribution sites.
A former pastor at the church challenged each member of the church to find one thing to bring the church more into the community.
“This was my one thing,” he said.
These diapers provide the best leak protection and comfort, available up to a Size 7. They are soft on your baby’s skin, highly absorbent and come with a wetness indicator, so you’ll easily know when it’s time for a new diaper.
These wipes are a popular choice for both parents and hospitals. They are 20% thicker than other wipes, making them feel soft while remaining sturdy enough to handle tough messes. They are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and made with 99% purified water.
Aquaphor is an effective multipurpose solution for your baby’s skincare needs. It helps relieve diaper rash and soothes irritated skin. Its skin-friendly gentle formula is free of dyes, preservatives and fragrances.
A 3-ounce tube is the perfect size for your diaper bag.
These biodegradable poop bags are perfect for those inopportune moments when your baby has an extra-dirty diaper. They are high-quality, sturdy and easy to open. These bags conceal smells, in case you have to store dirty diapers or soiled clothes until you get a chance to dispose of them.
These classic muslin blankets are soft and versatile. Their generous size and breathable fabric make for easy swaddling, but you can also use them as a blanket, a burp cloth, a pram cover or a nursing cover. They are built to last and maintain quality, no matter how many times they go through a wash.
If you want to make diaper duty a little easier, this waterproof portable changing pad can be unfolded with one hand and has pockets to store diaper essentials. It’s cushioned with a memory foam pillow to give your baby extra comfort during a change. You can find it in multiple patterns and colors.
If you’re planning to give your toddler a snack or meal while you’re out, a washable bib keeps them a bit more clean. These lightweight, waterproof bibs from Bumkins have a helpful catch-all front pocket for solid snacks, and are available in a variety of lively patterns.
Save space in your diaper bag with these formula dispensers from Tommee Tippee, which fit snugly inside the bottle for easy, mess-free feeding prep. Each package includes six dispensers that hold enough formula for a 9-ounce bottle.
You never know when spills, spit-ups or a diaper blowout will require a change of clothing. Keep it simple and pack an extra sleeper or bodysuit, depending on the time of the year. These soft-but-durable cotton coveralls by Simple Joys by Carter’s come in a handy two-pack.
Healthy snacks are essential for growing tots. The Snack Attack collapsible silicone container with snap-on lid, has flexible flaps that lets your baby or toddler to grab a few snacks without spillage.
This sippy cup uses an innovative design that lets toddlers drink from all sides of the cup instead of a straw or a spout, helping to ease the transition from bottle to a drinking cup. With easy-to-grip curved handles and an easy-to-clean, spillproof design, it’s a great option for your diaper bag.
Make sure to protect your baby’s sensitive skin from the sun. Consider a travel-friendly sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, which is recommended for babies 6 months and older. The Baby Bum SPF 50 sunscreen stick is a lightweight, non-greasy mineral-based formula that’s free of fragrance and harsh chemicals. It’s easy to apply and tucks right into your bag.
If your baby is teething, Sophie the Giraffe is an excellent toy that doubles as a teether.
Made of 100% natural rubber and food-grade paint, it’s perfectly safe for babies to chew on to soothe their sore gums
It's suitable for babies up to a year old.
Esha Saxena is a writer for BestReviews.
BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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Dee Hölzel has been reporting since 1999 and joined the Journal Times in October 2020. Dee graduated with an MA in History from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, specializing in the intersection of history and journalism.
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Maggie Eastman, of Sporty Girl Accessories, and Jim Diebler, of Sew 'n Save of Racine, are hosting a diaper drive to benefit Racine Diaper Ministry. All sizes for infants and toddlers are accepted, though size 4-7 is preferred. Pull-ups are welcomed. The diaper drive will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sew 'n Save, 3701 Durand Avenue.
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