The Community Development Council Quinte has a lofty goal for its annual Good Baby Box Diaper Drive.
Over the next two weeks, CDC Quinte hopes to collect 20,000 diapers, which would provide approximately 85 families with a three-month supply of diapers.
Good Baby Box Program Coordinator Bev Heuving says the need for the program has exploded, particularly in their rural locations.
“Especially those locations where families are struggling to have access to transportation. So it’s making it much more difficult for them to access essential needs for their infants and toddlers. The price of diapers, yes, has certainly gone up in addition to wipes and formula.”
More than 4,500 Good Baby Boxes have been distributed so far this year throughout a dozen locations in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties.
Heuving says about 7,900 boxes were provided in 2022.
Through the program, people can purchase 20 diapers and a pack of wipes for $6.50 per child every week.
“If they consistently use the program once a week, it’s a savings to the family of about $1,000. And we sell that to the families by saying they can use that towards other household needs. And it gives them the peace of mind knowing that they are able to provide basic essentials for their children.
Heuving says the community has been very generous over the years and she hopes they can surpass their 20,000 diaper goal.
The Diaper Drive runs through November 15.
Diaper donations can be made at the CDC Quinte main office at 65 Station Street, Belleville.
Cash donations are also accepted at the main office, by mail or through Canada Helps.
