The CNY Diaper Bank is urging community members to contribute this holiday season, aiming to provide essential support to local families facing economic challenges. The organization encourages monetary donations to help supply diapers for those in need, emphasizing the importance of meeting basic needs for young children.
Individuals, local groups, and businesses can make secure online donations at cnydiaperbank.org/holidaymatch2025. To maximize the impact of each contribution, the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation has provided a grant that will match donations made until January 1, 2026, up to a total of $5,000. This means that every dollar donated will help provide a day’s worth of diapers for a local baby.
Addressing Diaper Need in the Community
According to Michela Hugo, founder of the CNY Diaper Bank, nearly half of families with young children experience diaper need, which highlights a pressing issue within the community. “When so many families are unable to afford their most basic needs, it is a glaring sign that our system must change,” she stated.
Hugo further explained that diaper need is largely driven by a combination of low wages and rising costs, forcing parents to make difficult choices. “The CNY Diaper Bank exists to support families now while advocating for policies that ensure no parent ever has to choose between diapers and dinner,” she added. This advocacy is crucial, as diapers are not covered by government assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The cost of maintaining an adequate supply of diapers for a single child can reach $100 per month, which is often an expense that many families cannot afford.
Impact of the CNY Diaper Bank
The CNY Diaper Bank stands as the largest diaper bank in New York state, partnering with various agencies to distribute an average of 200,000 diapers monthly to around 4,000 babies and toddlers in the region. Since its inception in May 2016, the organization has successfully distributed over 11 million diapers to families in need.
“Community members can make a positive impact for families this holiday season by donating to help us provide diapers and prevent diaper need,” Hugo emphasized. The CNY Diaper Bank aims not only to distribute diapers but also to raise awareness about diaper need within the community, highlighting the critical nature of this issue.
For more information about the CNY Diaper Bank, its mission, and how to contribute, visit cnydiaperbank.org. Supporting this initiative can make a significant difference in the lives of local families during the holiday season and beyond.
