HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A new partnership between the Junior League of Tampa and Metropolitan Ministries will help get more diapers to families in need.
The Junior League of Tampa launched one of Hillsborough County's largest diaper banks. Now, their program is expanding to a partnership with Metropolitan Ministries.
Click here to give to the Junior League of Tampa Diaper Bank.
Now, the Junior League of Tampa will be able to use Metropolitan Ministries' large warehouse to store diapers and wipes for families. With more space, they'll be able to purchase more, therefore getting a better non-profit discount on buying diapers from providers like Huggies.
"Having the warehouse space that Metropolitan Ministries is able to provide us means that we can scale up in the capacity of the families we can serve, just astronomically," said Caroline Foss, who helps run the diaper bank for the Junior League of Tampa. "It's really truly revolutionary for our bank."
No state or federal child safety-net program allocates dollars specifically for the purchase of diapers, according to the Junior League of Tampa. Additionally, the organization said diapers are not covered by food stamps and can cost as much as $80 per month, per baby, for a family.
"Without these basic needs items, it's very hard for families to thrive," Foss said.
In the meantime, Metropolitan Ministries is now able to help connect even more families in need with diapers. In fact, since the pandemic began, diapers are now listed as one of the organization's most-needed items.
Nicole Boone, director of education for Metropolitan Ministries, said your donation of a box of diapers can make a huge difference to families, especially parents who are setting back off to work or are looking for jobs.
Click here to help Metropolitan Ministries with their COVID-19 Emergency Fund
"A lot of times, people only think about the big thing," Boone said. "They don't think about the details and the small things that actually provide returns for families and mothers and fathers, who are trying to do the best that they can for their children."
Without transportation, buying diapers at a convenience store rather than a large “big box” store can significantly increase the monthly cost of diapers, according to the Junior League of Tampa.
Infants require up to 12 diapers per day, toddlers about eight. Typically, daycare centers require as many as five diapers per day to send a child, placing an enormous burden on working parents.
"Giving in this way helps to give them the relief and the love and the care to know that they can do what's best for them," Boone said.
If you are an individual in need of diapers, please contact Champions for Children at 813.673.4646.
