Imagine only being able to change your baby’s diaper once a day in order to make them last til your next paycheck…

For an average infant, a healthy change of diapers is up to 12 times per day, and 8 for a toddler. For low income families, a baby can be in a single diaper all day, or longer. This increases the risk of skin infections and worse. A baby crying non-stop from being in a dirty diaper for a long period is more susceptible to abuse, especially in an already stressed household. Currently there is No “safety net” (WIC, Food Stamps,Medicare (except hospice)) that pays for, or provide diapers.

These are all facts that Marybeth Levine realized were present in our community and across the country. That is when she decided to form The Detroit Area Diaper Bank. Their mission is to collect diapers and donations for our community’s most vulnerable populations — babies from low-income households, the elderly, and people with disabilities. In turn, they then distribute them to partnering non-profit agencies in the area that work with families in need.

Currently The Detroit Area Diaper Bank is partners with 30 agencies in the Metro area. From family services centers, food pantries, child development and senior centers, there is a never ending need. Levine gets calls daily from agencies and individuals looking for assistance. (Agencies looking for assistance are encouraged to fill out their application form found on their website. Individuals seeking assistance should visit the how do I get diapers page. )

Just 9 months after it’s first delivery in April 2009, The Detroit Area Diaper Bank delivered it’s 100,000 diaper. Levine is very grateful to the community for all their support and donations in this short amount of time. This is testament that diapers are a never-ending need, especially in the tough times our economy is facing. The Detroit Area Diaper Bank relies on donations, diaper drives and fundraisers to continue to support it’s partnering agencies. For more ways that you can get involved, please visit their site.

The Village of Rochester Hills is hosting a “Back 2 School Bash” on Saturday, August 22^nd, from 10am to 4pm.

Sponsored in part by Cornerstone Community Financial, The Back 2 School Bash is a daylong event featuring prizes and free activities designed for the whole family.  Attendees are encouraged to bring new and unopened school supplies or non-perishable food items in exchange for a chance to win more than $4,000 worth of Village Gift Cards and other prizes. One lucky winner will receive a $1,000 Village gift card. To view a complete list of requested school supplies, please visit www.villageofrochesterhills.com.

All donations will benefit The Holiday Helpers of Rochester Hills, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization created to assist low-income residents, seniors and families based in Rochester Hills.

“The Back 2 School Bash will help ensure that needy families throughout the community have access to proper school supplies and other necessities as the new school year approaches,” said Bruce Aikens, Vice Chairman of Robert B. Aikens & Associates, the property manager of the Village.  “We are honored to act as the host for such a wonderful event.”
The Village of Rochester Hills is also having a Facebook contest in conjunction to the day long event.  Two winners will be chosen to win a $100 gift card and a $50 gift card to the Village of Rochester Hills.

Courtney is the ultimate multitasking mom!  She runs  three blogs Giftfully Simple, The Digital Mommy and Detroit Mommies , is a Social Media Marketing Consultant and has 3 girls under 6 years old.  Courtney is the founder of Detroit Mommies.  You can follow her on Twitter @theappleofmyeye.