- February 27, 2015

Austin Diaper Bank Needs Your Help!

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Hey, Free Fun in Austin readers — Austin Diaper Bank needs your help!
 

Diaper need is real. Diapers are expensive and federal assistance programs, such as SNAP (formerly called food stamps) and WIC, do not cover diapers. Disposable diapers are typically a requirement of most childcare centers, making them a necessity for working parents. Parents are forced to make hard decisions with limited resources. 

 
This CNN article, Cost of diapers a big problem for poor moms, inspired local mother Dr. Beverly Hamilton to found Austin Diaper Bank, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing diapers to Austin families in need to strengthen the community as a whole. Dr. Hamilton shares some numbers with us:
  • In Travis County, 26% of all children under 18 live in poverty (household income of below $24,000 a year).
  • Based on 2012 US Census Bureau data, Austin Diaper Bank estimates that nearly 12,000 babies and toddlers are in a diaper need situation.
  • 50% of all single mother households live below the poverty line.
  • Austin has the second highest rate of suburban poverty growth of US cities.
Other than the holiday season, the only time that Austin Diaper Bank makes a push for fundraising is during Amplify Austin, a 24-hour period of giving to local non-profits meeting critical needs in the Austin areaThis year, Amplify Austin is happening from 6 PM on Thursday, March 5, to 6 PM on Friday, March 6, 2015. Last year, Amplify Austin raised over $5 million for Austin nonprofits, and this year’s goal is $7 million, all for great causes that are right here in our area.

Inside at Austin Diaper Bank

Austin Diaper Bank’s goal in 2014 was to get its own space — and they were able to make that happen, due to the great response from the community. They raised $4,000 and signed a lease on a small but very important office of 400 sq. ft. This space has allowed Austin Diaper Bank to gather nearly 100,000 diapers in 2014 alone, and they are proud to have served over 25 agencies and nearly 2,000 people — all with volunteers in this tiny space. As you can see, it’s mighty full!

 
Austin Diaper Bank’s goal for Amplify Austin in 2015 is to grow the bank by raising enough money ($9,000) to double their operating space. If they reach their goal, they will have enough room to safely store more diapers, allow more volunteers to work, and double the number of people they serve. 2,000 more people in Central Texas will be able to get the help they desperately need.


That’s why Austin Diaper Bank is asking members in the community who can afford to give: Give generously to end a silent crisis that is utterly preventable with just a bit of money and effort. Diaper need in Austin can be crushed with kindness.
  • Donating money is easy — just click here. You can schedule your gift now (set it and forget it!) or give a gift during the live event on March 5 – 6. 
  • Helping Austin Diaper Bank fundraise is very helpful — click here to find out how. Austin Diaper Bank will even craft the messages for you, so you can just cut and paste. 
  • Sharing through social media is so important — it spreads the word throughout our community. Here’s the Austin Diaper Bank Facebook page.
  • Austin Diaper Bank also has some great events planned to celebrate Amplify Austin — click here to check them out, or scroll down to view the list of events. There will be five events within 24 hours!
Consider taking your giving to the next level by having your business give, provide matching funds or sponsor one of the Austin Diaper Bank events!
Donating diapers
Austin Diaper Bank’s Amplify Austin events:
 

Thursday, March 5, 2015:

 
10:00 AM – noon
Come play with baby and give to a good cause. Happy Family foods will also be in attendance with samples to try.
 
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Come play for a good cause! Cotton candy and pizza plus admission for only $5. Donations requested. Snapology of Austin will also be there with LEGO!
 
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Friday, March 6, 2015:

7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Come volunteer for 15–30 minutes (or just say hi) and grab a quick bite to eat before starting your workday. Bring your donation of diapers or dollars to make a baby’s day brighter!

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
TCBY is donating 20% of their sales for the day to Austin Diaper Bank. To celebrate, Austin Diaper Bank will giving out balloons and other freebies with their friends from Snapology.

Dr. Hamilton says, “Thank you, Austin, for all your support and kindness. The relief and joy in the eyes of the mothers we help is worth every minute we spend on this cause.”

To learn more about Austin Diaper Bank, click here.

Catherine A. Morris is a romance novelist, freelance writer, musician and jogger living in southwest Austin, Texas. Of course, her main passion and pastime is caring for her two toddlers, Pearl and Zephyr, who make Catherine and her husband laugh (and cry) on a daily basis. They also give Catherine plenty of good reasons to seek out free, fun activities to keep everyone alive, engaged and happy from one moment to the next.