Annapolis nonprofit Walk the Walk Foundation aims to collect 2 million diapers as part of the World’s Largest Diaper Drive
ANNAPOLIS, MD/April 20, 2023—Anne Arundel County’s Walk the Walk Foundation has joined diaper banks and organizations from across Ohio, Minnesota, New York, Illinois, Iowa, Georgia, California and Washington to collect 2 million diapers in one week to help those most in need. Partnering with the National Diaper Bank and local agencies, Walk the Walk Foundation provides free diapers to low-income families while raising awareness of the basic health need for diapers. To meet the growing demand for diapers, Walk the Walk Foundation is helping to organize the World's Largest Diaper Drive in Maryland from May 1-7 to collect 100,000 diapers in one week.
One in three families struggle to provide clean, dry diapers for their children. A baby will use around 7,000 diapers before being potty trained. Diapers, which cost nearly $100 per month per child, can be a serious burden for parents with low earnings and those who are out of work or unable to work. Walk the Walk Foundation is part of the National Diaper Bank Network, helping many organizations with their diaper donations. The foundation provided Anne Arundel County families with over 150,000 diapers and supplies in 2022.
“When families struggle to afford diapers, it forces them to choose between their children’s health and other needs,” said Nicole Dolan, Executive Director of Walk the Walk Foundation. “Families may keep diapers on for too long or empty solids and reuse disposable diapers, resulting in rashes, urinary tract infections, or worse. Many of our partners are reporting they are no longer receiving an abundance of diapers from other sources in the community due to diminished funding. Our current estimated diaper distribution for 2023 is an increase of 33% compared to last year,” Dolan said.
The World’s Largest Diaper Drive runs through Saturday, May 7. Volunteers and supporters will kick off the week on Sunday, April 30 in Crownsville from 12 - 2 p.m. for the World's Largest Diaper Drive Pre-Kickoff Service Party. This is sure to be a good time for the whole family and a way to make a meaningful difference in the community.
Visit Walk the Walk for more information on the week’s activities and to find diaper donation locations. Monetary donations are also welcomed.
About Walk the Walk
The Walk the Walk Foundation focuses on making a difference in the lives of Anne Arundel County families in need through our Backpacks for Kids, Christmas for Children, and Diapers for Babies programs. We partner with professionals, volunteers, donors, and other nonprofits whose focus fits our mission of creating a cycle of giving within the community.