The Little Tushies Diaper Drive

Hi!  My name is Gracie and I am in the 7th grade at Mt. Blue Middle School in Farmington, ME.  We are currently starting a topic on philanthropy and each of us were given the assignment to brainstorm, research, plan and put into action a project that we feel passionate about and which impacts others positively.  I've chosen to start a diaper drive that I hope will be successful enough to become the ONLY diaper bank in the entire State of Maine. 

Here's why I'm passionate about this cause:
*Disposable diapers can cost a family up to $100/month on average and this is one item that is not funded by government assistance programs.
*Children who are left in soiled or wet diapers for extended periods of time have higher incidences of rashes and urinary tract infections.
*Research also shows that a lack of access to fresh, clean diapers can also cause depression in the parents and abuse towards the children because of their crying and fussing (due to being in the dirty diaper for too long).
*While cloth diapers are definitely more eco-friendly, many laundromats prohibit parents from washing soiled diapers in the machines due to sanitary reasons.

Can you imagine how it would feel to not be able to change your baby because you just don't have any diapers?  How it must feel to hold a crying baby and know that your soothing is directly impacted by that dirty diaper and sore bum.  As the oldest child of 6, I have had my fair share of turns holding a crying baby and I know how hard it can be to get them to calm down.  I can easily say my self-esteem was impacted many times...the baby never seemed to "want me".  Thankfully for my family, it was never because of a wet or dirty diaper that the baby had been in too long, but there are too many families out there who can't say that.  Too many families are struggling to pay their electric bill and put gas in the car - it makes the cost of diapers seem incredibly overwhelming.  No parent ever asks to have to choose to pay for the utility bill or a pack of diapers, but it happens sometimes and the children shouldn't have to "pay the price".

That's where my passion comes in!  I have done some research and at this time, there isn't a designated diaper bank in the State of Maine.  I know that some churches and food pantries will give out diapers WHEN THEY HAVE THEM, but I want to do MORE!  I want to take this school project further than what my teachers are expecting.  It is my goal that this "project" will be the amazing beginning to a crazy successful diaper bank serving local families in need. 

I did say "crazy", didn't I?  That's why I set my initial goal for $2,000.  I chose that number because I know that I want to really start something here and with a foundation like $2,000...THAT can start something AMAZING!  I'm not just looking for money, though!  I live in a house where each week, I sit down with my mom and we cut and organize coupons.  I LOVE COUPONS!  Do you know how awesome COUPONS are when you're buying a pack of diapers?!  Do you have any diaper coupons lying around?  SEND THEM TO ME! 

It's very easy to donate that 99cent can of beans to the food pantry or to rummage through your closet sifting through last years clothes for the clothing drive...THIS IS DIFFERENT.  Please take a few moments and think...really think...what it must be like for the babies and little children who have to spend way too much time in a soiled diaper.  Imagine what it must feel like to be a single mother or father or even a grandparent who is trying to provide for their child or grandchild, but the cost of diapers is just too much.  Imagine how amazing you'll feel when you donate to The Little Tushies Diaper Drive -- knowing that your donation will help me buy diapers for so many little tushies in need!