Local nonprofit, Every Child Central Oregon (ECCO) is expanding it’s programming to address a critical but often overlooked need in our community—diapers. Today, the organization announces the launch of the Marked for Love Diaper Bank, to ensure that families in Central Oregon have consistent access to clean, dry diapers for their children.
1 in 2 U.S. families with young children cannot afford enough diapers to keep their
infant or child clean, dry, and healthy. These babies are more vulnerable to painful
rashes and urinary tract infections and have more trips to the doctor. 1 in 4 parents
miss work or school because they can’t afford the diapers required to leave their baby
in Childcare. A baby can require up to 12 diapers a day, and the cost quickly adds up to
over $100 per month—an expense many families simply cannot afford.
“Diaper need is a real crisis that touches families across Central Oregon,” says Melissa
Lovemark, Executive Director of Marked for Love and ECCO. “Diapers are not covered by
SNAP, WIC or any social service safety net for families that need them the most.”
“Through our ECCO and strategic partnerships with Baby2Baby, The Ford Family
Foundation and The Oregon Community Foundation we have been able to distribute and
see the impact of providing over 60,000 diapers a year to families working with child
welfare.”
“Every year, we have seen this need grow and have had other social service agencies and
nonprofits approach us needing diapers. Today we are so thrilled to announce the launch
of Marked for Love Diaper Bank made possible through the generosity and support of
NeighborImpact providing warehouse space. We can now get diapers into the hands of
parents who need them most, faster and more efficiently than ever.”
Scott Cooper, Executive Director of NeighborImpact, says “Diaper distribution not only
meets an immediate and urgent need, it makes a lot of economic sense. Research from
the University of Connecticut shows that for every dollar invested in diapers, families gain
an additional $11 in personal income. You can see how that could add up.”
“NeighborImpact has been partnering with Every Child Central Oregon and Marked for
Love for several years. It is gratifying and exciting to see their organization take off and to
see big change initiatives hitting the ground and transforming the lives of families.” Scott
Cooper, Executive Director, NeighborImpact.
How the Community Can Help
The Diaper Bank invites community members to join this effort by:
- Partner financially to support this growing need in our community. This work will
not be sustainable without generous community partners and individuals. - Hosting a Diaper Drive at a workplace, school, faith community, or neighborhood.
- Sign Up to Volunteer at warehouse or with diaper distribution.
- Follow our Journey on Socials: Facebook, Instagram
To donate or learn how to start a Diaper Drive, visit:
www.markedforlove.org
How Community to Access Diapers:
Marked for Love PO Box 953 Redmond, OR 97756
www.markedforlove.org
The Marked for Love Diaper Bank provides diapers to social service organizations and
government agencies that are already helping families in need through comprehensive
programs and services.
Learn more about partnerships here: https://www.markedforlove.org/our-
initiatives/diaper-bank
About Marked For Love:
Marked for Love currently operates Every Child Central Oregon and The Diaper Bank. It’s
mission is to unite the local community to strengthen the child welfare system
and address economic risk factors that contribute to family instability
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