Diapers- cloth or disposable- can be a burden on families who are already struggling to pay bills.  Especially during these hard economic times, families are faced with hard decisions like choosing between using their last dollars to buy diapers or buy food.  A lot of people are thinking “Why don’t these families just use cloth diapers?” and they are correct in some ways.  For families who can work washing diapers, either by hand, at home, or at a laundromat, this can be a huge money saver.  The fact remains that purchasing cloth diapers is an expense that can be harder for families than just buying that one package of disposables to get through the week.  Imagine having 40.00 to spend on diapers.  Would you use it to buy enough diapers to last 2-3 weeks or buy 2-3 cloth diapers, only enough to last half a day before washing?

These are the choices a lot of families are faced with.  And that is why Giving Diapers, Giving Hope was started.  GDGH is a cloth diaper lending service for families who qualify.  They provide enough cloth diapers, usually around 16 for one child, that will give a family a fresh start and economic freedom from the burden of buying disposables every week.  Once the family is through with the diapers, or they are able to buy their own stash, they mail them back to be sent to another family.  See how that works?

Giving Diapers, Giving Hope was started by Kristen McCarthy in April 2011 as a local cloth diaper bank for Gloucester MA.  She was receiving more inquiries from families around the country than locally.  Reluctantly, knowing the challenges she would face, she opened applications up to the US.  She teamed up with a friend, Emily Glover, in order to tackle the work of approving applications, sorting donated diapers, packing and shipping diapers, and maintaining the Facebook page and website.  Both of these amazing women have 2 daughters to raise and many obligations beyond GDGH.  I’m always amazed at what they accomplish!  They started loaning diapers 6 months ago and have already helped over 70 families!  

I’m proud to say that I’ve been involved in Giving Diapers, Giving Hope as a founding board member since the beginning. I’ve been able to donate dozens of diapers thanks to the many I am sent to review for Dirty Diaper Laundry.  Currently I am running the annual Fundraiser that will should help the organization raise enough funds to complete filing for their 501 c3 Non-Profit status.  Our goal is 1,500$ and I am confident we can reach it, or even exceed it.  2011 was an amazing first year but 2012 holds the potential to help hundreds of families receive the helping hand they need.

The fundraiser will go live on www.dirtydiaperlaundry.com, and the Giving Diapers, Giving Hope and Dirty Diaper Laundry Facebook Page on January 25 and will run until February 14.  Sponsors are providing lots of prizes so expect to see some fun Cloth Diaper Giveaways.  We will also kick off the Fundraiser with a #GivingHOPE Twitter Party on January 25 at 9PM EST.

There is still time to participate as a sponsor in these events.  If interested, please email Kim Rosas at dirtydiaperlaundry@gmail.com.

If you are a family in need you can learn more about how to apply to receive cloth diapers from Giving Diapers, Giving Hope visit their website for information regarding who can qualify and apply.  GDGH is always accepting donations of cloth diapers, new or used.