Record Setting Diapers Distributed in Southwest Wyoming

In 2017, 60,031 diapers were distributed to Sweetwater County families through United Way of Southwest Wyoming’s (UWSW) Community Diaper Bank. This is an increase of 6,079 diapers from 2016.  Food Bank of Sweetwater County is a vital community partner of the diaper bank, distributing the diapers at their locations in Rock Springs and Green River.

UWSW is a member of the National Diaper Bank Network and works to secure funding and diaper donations throughout the year. In addition to individual contributions, UWSW received several monetary gifts including: $3,500 from BP American Production Company, $2,000 from Kiwanis Club of Rock Springs, $500 from Tata Chemicals and United Steelworkers Local 15320, $405 from Anadarko, and $100 from Rock Springs Rotary Club. A grant was also awarded to the Community Diaper Bank from Wyoming Community Foundation, for $1,000. With these donations approximately 41,600 diapers were able to be purchased.

“We truly appreciate all the community support we have received that allows us to get diapers to babies who need them. Too many families face a daily struggle to secure a necessary supply of diapers. With this support we can close the gap of diaper need,” said Kelly Frink, UWSW Executive Director.

The most recent diaper collection was driven by Genesis Alkali, who collected diapers at their holiday parties. With the help of their employees and United Steelworkers Local 13214, 3,924 diapers were donated to the Community Diaper Bank.

During the 2017 Diaper Need Awareness Week, several local businesses helped with a community wide diaper drive. The following business served as drop off locations: Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce, Green River Chamber of Commerce, Young At Heart Senior Center, Golden Hour Senior Center, Sweetwater County Library System, and Rocky Mountain Bank. During this week, 4,556 diapers were collected.

Jim Bridger Power Plant held a diaper drive during their 2017 UWSW Campaign. During this drive, their employees and Utility Workers Local 127 collected 935 diapers for the Community Diaper Bank.

RSNB Bank held their 3rd Annual Diaper Drive during the month of October, collecting 16,502 diapers and 504 wipes. “When RSNB Bank realized the urgent need for diapers in our community, we wanted to get involved… with the help from our employees, customers and business partners, over the past 3 years we have donated 43,622 diapers to the Diaper Bank.  Diapers are essential to a baby's healthy development and the need never ends.  RSNB Bank would like to encourage you to donate diapers when possible and help us to keep babies dry, clean and healthy,” Avis Dunkin-Mazur, PR and Marketing Director RSNB Bank.

Throughout the year, the Community Diaper Bank received diapers through various diaper drives driven by these businesses and individuals: Green River High School, Little Lambs Preschool, Sweetwater County Library System, Rock Springs IV Center, Roosevelt Learning Center, 1st Bank, Sweetwater County Child Development Center, Holiday Home Show, Brecken Hunsaker, Boy Scouts, LDS Bishops, and Girl Scouts, along with several anonymous donors.

UWSW began the Community Diaper Bank in 2013, since then it has grown substantially. There is no government safety net program that provides diapers for babies. In the Wyoming workforce, 59% of females are mothers with infants. Most child care facilities require parents to provide diapers for their child. With the help of the Community Diaper Bank, parents are able to attend school or work. In 2017, 339 parents used the Community Diaper Bank. In the United States, one in three mothers report suffering from diaper need and this continues to grow in Southwest Wyoming.

Please contact Shelley Richno at srichno@swunitedway.org or 307-362-5003 if you are interested in running a diaper drive.