Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Healthy Steps, Hamilton Health team for “diaper drive-through”; donations needed

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed a lot of unmet needs in our community, made more acute by soaring unemployment and social isolation.

The need for diapers is certainly one of those needs, and now two community-focused nonprofits are combining forces to try to address that.

On Saturday, in honor of Mother’s Day, Healthy Steps Diaper Bank will hold a “diaper drive-through” at Hamilton Health Center on Allison Hill.

“We are thrilled to honor the mothers in our community with this diaper drive-through,” said Amanda Barnes, executive director of Healthy Steps.

According to Barnes, diaper needs have skyrocketed since the financial impact of COVID-19 hit the region. A record number of families have turned to the diaper bank for help as diapers became more difficult to find or to afford, she said.

Healthy Steps Diaper Bank has already distributed more than 156,000 diapers to 1,500 children this year, which is far more than it usually does at this point, she said.

“We expect the local diaper need to only go up, which is why we’re distributing as many diapers as possible during this crisis,” Barnes said.

For Healthy Steps, the pandemic has been doubly difficult. Not only has demand increased but diaper supplies can’t be replenished because community-based diaper drives have basically stopped.

Therefore, Barnes hopes to encourage contributions from the community either from their Amazon Wish List or through a monetary contribution on their website.

“Now, more than ever, mothers and babies need our support,” she said. “We have remained open and operational throughout this crisis, staying committed to our mission of keeping babies clean, dry and healthy here in central Pennsylvania.”

Mother’s Day Diaper Drive-Through takes place on Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon, at Hamilton Health Center, 110 S. 17th St., Harrisburg. Diapers are available while supplies last, and a child or a car seat must be present to receive the diapers.

To support Healthy Steps Diaper Bank, visit their website.

 

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