The Champaign Family YMCA is partnering with the Sycamore House Pregnancy and Family Life Center to collect diapers and baby wipes for families during a time when parents need help the most. The Champaign YMCA, 191 Community Drive, Urbana, will serve as the drop-off location for diaper donations through April.
To participate, donors should drop items at the YMCA. Bins will be available at the front doors each day from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. while the Y’s Pandemic Childcare Center is open. All unopened packages will be disinfected by the Y and delivered to the Sycamore House to be distributed to families most in need of these donations.
There is a more urgent need for larger diaper sizes (4, 5 and 6), but all diaper sizes and baby wipes will be accepted and used.
“The YMCA has always been a place people can count on during times of uncertainty,” stated Paul Waldsmith, CEO of the Champaign Family Y. “Even though our doors to fitness are temporarily closed, our mission to strengthen the community does not stop.”
Recent data reflects that nearly one out of three American families cannot afford to buy diapers, which leads to health disparities, such as diaper rash, and even child abuse. Infants and toddlers require eight to 12 diapers each day during their first few years and a sufficient supply of diapers and baby wipes can cost families between $70 and $80 per month. The YMCA wants to help ease this burden by encouraging everyone in Champaign County to consider donating to this cause.
The Sycamore House Pregnancy and Family Life Center is a faith-based non-profit agency that offers compassionate support and education in the areas of prenatal needs, child rearing skills, and even relationship information for mothers and fathers. During the COVID-19 crisis, the center has had a significant increase of new families who need assistance.
The Sycamore House is open 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at this time.
All emergency pick-ups can be done by calling ahead to 937- 653-3737 for an appointment. Staff will arrange for drive-up service.
