As someone who has always been the member of a dual-income, middle class family, there are some things I take for granted. While I may be frustrated with the expensive hospital and doctor bills after the births of my babies, that stress is nothing compared to a parent who struggles to provide the essentials for their baby. Did you realize 1 in 3 families struggle to provides diapers for their baby? That’s 33.33% of families in the US who are struggling to provide diapers for their baby. And that is heartbreaking!
While it may seem overwhelming to see these numbers, so overwhelming that you may think to yourself “there’s no way I could even help make an impact.” And that’s simply NOT true! There are so many small ways you can help those in need.
1| Buy Huggies from Walgreens.
From March 26, 2018 through April 29, 2018, for every purchase of Huggies® at Walgreens or Walgreens.com, they will donate a day’s worth of diapers to the National Diaper Bank Network. That’s HUGE! If you have a little one, chances are you’re buying diapers anyways, so this isn’t an added expense – just shop at Walgreens, instead! It’s nice to know you’re helping someone without doing more than possibly shopping somewhere else for your diapers. With your help, Huggies and Walgreens will donate 1.5 million diapers and 250,000 wipes nationwide to the National Diaper Bank.
2| Donate used items somewhere where they will be distributed to those in need.
Sure, we all know about the places where your items will be sold at a low cost. And I have nothing against those places. But, last year, a friend reminded me of a ministry that we actually toured as a part of a church group a few years ago. They have a few different components, a shelter for women and children, a housing program for single-parent families, and a warehouse where they sell items (that can’t be used by those in the shelter our housing program) to fund their ministry. I have donated everything from our clothing, to swaddling blankets, towels, blankets, curtains, etc. These items that I don’t need anymore, help someone to make the housing they’re receiving through this ministry feel like a home. The children’s clothing goes to someone who can’t provide that for their child. The women’s clothing goes to someone who may not have something appropriate to wear to a job interview. It makes me feel good to get these things out of our home and into the hands of someone who will use them to do great things!
3| Get your children involved.
Our favorite thing to do is go through old toys and clothes to donate. The first few times we went, Blaire would ask who we were giving these things to. After I explained there are others out there who don’t have as many clothes or toys that would be so happy to have hers. She also likes to collect change to take to church to give during the collection.
4| If you’re cleaning out your cabinets and fridge, consider donating anything that’s unopened to a local food bank.
Many will have lists online of items they’re in need of. If you have a can of soup or veggies that’s been in your cabinets and you haven’t used it, donate it! Get it out of your pantry and into the pantry of someone who really needs it.
5| If you can’t give money or items, give your time.
Many charities have people who are happy to give their money or drop off items. Many need your time even more! Whether it’s helping to sort items, prepare packages of meals, etc. there are many tasks that are family friendly, too! Just call your local nonprofits and ask how you can help!
There are so many great causes and nonprofits out there that can use your help! Please remember nothing you give is too small. Even one item can have a large impact on someone’s life! I think you’ll find it’s addicting to give back. That feeling of knowing you’re doing good. The feeling of having an impact. It’s amazing!
If I can have a positive impact on diaper need by simply purchasing a package of diapers for my little guy, then that’s the easiest social good I’ve even done.