In the Fox Cities, Diaper Need Awareness Week emphasizes a new and impactful local partnership. United Way Fox Cities and Jake’s Network of Hope are proud to announce the unification of their Diaper Banks under one location to better serve families across Eastern Wisconsin.
The newly co-operated Diaper Bank will be known as the Kimberly-Clark Eastern Wisconsin Diaper Bank. This strategic partnership allows them to pool resources and expertise, ensuring they can meet the essential needs of more local families.
This decision comes in response to the findings from the 2023 Diaper Check, which revealed that 47% of families are struggling to afford diapers. Most childcare providers require a day’s supply of disposable diapers, causing parents and caregivers to miss work. A quarter of families with children miss an average of five days of work per month because they cannot afford enough diapers.
National Diaper Need Awareness week is scheduled for September 23 – 29, 2024 to draw attention to this critical need in our communities.
Network of Hope is now co-located at United Way Fox Cities Hub, located at VPI’s Kensington production facility. Jake’s Network of Hope team will oversee the Diaper Bank’s daily operations including product procurement, warehousing, inventory management, partner engagement, and fundraising efforts. United Way Fox Cities will coordinate and manage the packing opportunities for community volunteers and corporate partners. Together, they will work to meet the community’s basic needs for diapers, period products, and adult incontinence products.
“United Way Fox Cities is truly excited about our new collaboration with Jake’s Network of Hope,” said Lisa Kogan-Praska, President & CEO of United Way Fox Cities. “By combining our talents and resources, we can serve more families and have an even greater impact across our region.”
“Diaper Need Awareness Week highlights the fact that we all know someone who struggles to afford essential hygiene items,” said Scott Sawinski, Executive Director of Jake’s Network of Hope. “The Kimberly-Clark Eastern Wisconsin Diaper Bank strives to make a significant impact in the lives of our families and neighbors to help supplement the hygiene needs in our community.”
On Tuesday, September 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Kimberly-Clark Eastern Wisconsin Diaper Bank will host an open house. All are welcome to attend this event at The Hub, located at 110 N. Kensington Dr. in Appleton. Partners and community members can help repack diapers, enter to win a door prize, and learn more about this local effort.
United Way Fox Cities is a tax-exempt, donor-supported organization improving lives by fighting for the health, education, and financial security of all. Through United Way, more than 100 funded programs improve the lives of 1 in 3 people in the Fox Cities and build a stronger, more caring community for everyone. Learn more at UnitedWayFoxCities.org
Jake’s Network of Hope is a 501(c)(3) that distributes hygiene products and essential daily living items to people of all ages. Through a network of partners, they meet various human needs: basic, emotional, social, and educational. Learn more at jakesnoh.org.