A nonprofit organization is helping families during a time of crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic by creating a drive-thru diaper dispensary. Many families have lost their jobs due to the pandemic forcing them into a financial hardship. But for one nonprofit in Wisconsin, they did not want families to suffer during a time when help is needed most.
While the pandemic has brought out the worst for families like the loss of jobs, the nonprofit organization The Parenting Place is hoping to be the silver lining for some parents and caregivers. The nonprofit holds programs for parents and caregivers that include resources on how to understand children and give them a loving start in life.
According to Lacrosse Tribune, back in 2015, the nonprofit started a diaper bank for families who could not afford them at the time. Shana Berg of The Parenting Place said, "A number of things can happen that prevent a family from being able to get diapers. When you have a baby, you assume you will be able to buy the diapers. Families are unsure of what to do when or if it does happen."
Berg, along with Nell Saunders-Scott and Elizabeth Digby-Britten of The Parenting Place, wanted to change that. When a safer-at-home order was issued for the state of Wisconsin, the three workers started brainstorming due to the fact that their building closed. Digby-Britten said, they wanted to continue to provide services to families in need but in a safe way. So, the women came up with a plan: a drive-thru diaper dispensary.
The dispensary opened once a week and orders are placed through text or email. Then, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Thursdays, parents and caregivers can drive up to the dispensary and ring the bell for service. Berg and Digby-Britten hand out the orders after preparing them in advance. They wear masks and use hand sanitizer. They hear stories from families who could not afford rent because they lost their job or hours were cut back.
On average, The Parenting Place gave out approximately 1,000 diapers a week before COVID-19 hit the United States. That number has increased drastically from weekly to daily. The nonprofit has given more than 17,000 diapers to families in need since March 19. The nonprofit receives the diapers through donations and grants. Berg said the event made some families emotional, as it was their first time asking for help. Digby-Britten said it is important to alleviate stress and worry for families during this time of uncertainty.
Families stay home more often now because it is safer, but that is causing extra pressure and financial stress Berg said the diaper drive-thru is about connecting with families too, as most events and work go virtual. A reminder, she said, that The Parenting Place is always there to help during a time of need. The diaper drive-thru even acted as a gateway to other resources for families.