The government has been shut down for the last 43 days which means many federal workers have either been furloughed or have worked without pay. This has put tremendous stress on many families in the metropolitan area.
In addition to the government shutdown, prices for household good and groceries have increased over the last year. One of the most essential needs for a family with young children is diapers. Diapers are expensive even when prices are low, so the DeMatha community is not only collecting food this holiday season but they are also donating diapers for families in the Washington area.
When asked about the importance of diapers, Ms. Skaare said, “Diapers are an essential need for families that have small children because of the simple fact they can’t go to the bathroom on their own.”
In the DeMatha community, the students love to share competitions, even when raising money or donations for the surrounding community. For the food drive and the diaper drive, the houses compete with each other for house points which helps the donations come in faster.
Many food banks in the area depend on the DeMatha food drive each year. Ms. Phalen said, “The food drives have been so successful over the last few years that DeMatha supplies some of the food banks for the entire year. This year we can add diapers to those in need.”
According to the National Children’s Hospital, a baby uses 6 to 10 diapers each day. That adds up to between 2,000 and 3,500 diapers a year for children up to the age of 3.
Junior Bruce Green said, “Single mothers especially need diapers because they depend on one income.” Without enough diapers, babies and young children often suffer from diaper rash. According to the Mayo Clinic, diaper rash causes inflamed skin and sores which is completely preventable with the proper resources.
The diaper drive is not only helping babies and mothers that are in need but also helping ease economic hardships through these tough times.
