BTB Fundraiser for PDX Diaper Bank

Hey there, BTB Supporters!

First and foremost, we want to say thank you. This is PDX Diaper Bank’s 4th annual fundraiser in partnership with Behind the Bastards (you rock, Robert Evans), and we can’t even begin to express how much it positively impacts our important work.

In 2021, BTB listeners helped raise $21k for much-needed diapering supplies to support families impacted by COVID-19. Last year, BTB listeners generously pitched in over $22k to support our 2-year capacity expansion initiative (in progress).

Why Diapers Are Important

Diaper need is simply not having the capacity to provide enough clean diapers to keep a baby (or wearer) clean, healthy, and dry. 1 in 3 families experience diaper need. What this means for children, families, and communities:

1.) Children are unable to attend early childhood educational programs, because most daycares require diapers for attendance.

2.) Parents miss work, school, or other important duties due to lack of childcare. A recent study showed that low-income families experiencing diaper need missed an average of 4 work days a month.

3.) Families experiencing extreme poverty can spend up to 8-10% of their income on diapers alone!

4.) Student parents have frequent school absenses. One of our educational partner agencies reported that the high school attendance of their teen parents increased by approximately 20% once they had access to diapers at the on-site childcare center.

BTB Listeners Can Help!

Last year, because of fundraisers like this, PDX Diaper Bank was able to complete a 3-month geographic-specific outreach project to get an additional 240,000 diapers (about a truckload) out to families via a network of incredible nonprofits and government organizations.

Even before the pandemic, 1 in 3 American families experienced diaper need. And as we all know, poverty has been magnified and intensified. Families are still feeling the economic impacts here in Oregon. PDX Diaper Bank is doing everything in its power to help, but certainly can’t do it alone. Here are some things we’re currently working towards and can accomplish with your support:

• Purchasing 150,000 diapers in bulk (approximately 10-12 pallets)

• Programmatic expansion (serving more nonprofits with critical safety-net programs for families experiencing houselessness, job insecurity, mental health issues, extenuating educational needs, seeking safety from domestic violence, and more).

• Securing large equipment as part of our continued capacity expansion efforts. Still on our list: a forklift and a commercial heat-seal diaper wrapping machine.

Mission & Vision of PDX Diaper Bank

In collaboration with a growing network of nonprofit and government partner agencies, PDX Diaper Bank provides no-cost diapering supplies to low-income and houseless families with young children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities living in Portland, Oregon and the surrounding areas.

Diapers create opportunities. We believe that everyone, regardless of economic status, should have equitable access to diapering essentials in order to live healthy and productive lives, as well as ease financial strain during the pursuit of personal, educational, and professional success.

Together, We Can End Diaper Need.

No matter the size, your contribution truly makes a difference in the lives of children and families in need. We hope you, your families, and your friends stay healthy and safe. Thank you for supporting PDX Diaper Bank.

Warmly,

Rachel Alston, Executive Director

PDX Diaper Bank

PO Box 22613, Portland OR 97269

Tax ID #45-5546960

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