Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Schneemann.
Maggie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Once my daughter and I understood the impact of diaper needs on low-income families, we felt like we had to take action. In April 2021, we started the volunteer-powered, 501 (c)3 non-profit diaper bank, Dayton Diaper Depot. We have been amazed at the generous volunteers and donors that have made our success possible. We have distributed over 550,000 diapers to low-income families.
Government assistance does not cover diapers. Babies are wearing diapers too long, or diapers are dried and put back on the baby when a clean supply isn’t available. This leads to skin infections, urinary tract infections, and other health problems for babies. Babies don’t bond with their mothers when their basic needs aren’t met. When babies aren’t comfortable, they cry. Crying babies experience more abuse. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of babies in low-income families. Parents need a supply of diapers to take baby to daycare so they can attend school or work. Half of all families will experience diaper need. One-third of all families in Montgomery County are in poverty. We distribute through agencies such as food pantries, health clinics, and various social agencies.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We are new to this, so everything is a learning experience. We have so much to learn about grant writing, fundraising, communication with volunteers and the community. Dayton Diaper Depot has been blessed with wonderful volunteers that have stepped up and faced the challenges. Knowing that we are making an impact on our most vulnerable in the community make it worthwhile. Once donors understand diaper need, they are incredibly generous. We need to spread the word and educate the community about the necessity for diapers and the impact they make on babies in need. At this time, we are looking for a new home for Dayton Diaper Depot. We spend all of our money on diapers, so we need donated space where we can store diapers and volunteers can bundle the diapers. Finding a new home and finding someone to work on our social media presence are our biggest concerns at the moment.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Dayton Diaper Depot?
We distribute diapers to babies in need through partner agencies. We are always looking for more partner agencies to serve more babies. Based on the recommendations of the National Diaper Bank, we provide 50 diapers or 25 training pants per baby per month. This is typically the difference between what a low-income family has and what they need. Diaper are expensive. We can’t supply all the diapers a baby needs, but we want to help any way we can. We are volunteer-powered. We have 1 part-time volunteer coordinator, and all of the other work is done by volunteers. We have retirees, high school students getting service hours, Rotarians, Optimists, churches, and other organizations helping us serve babies. Businesses will host diaper drives and wrapping sessions for employees. Everyone enjoys the events. The comradery among coworkers and the community service is a win/win for us and our business partner.
Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Diaper drives by the community organizations and businesses. Volunteer to bundle diapers. All diapers are bundled in packs of 25 diapers for distribution.
Donate money on our website, daytondiaperdepot.org. Every dollar donated buy 4 diapers for a baby in need.
Host a fundraiser so we can buy more diapers.
Donate a delivery van so we can get the diapers out into the community.
We want to work with high schools so teenage moms and dads have the diapers to take their babies to daycare, and they can stay in school.
Let us know of organizations that work with low-income families where there are babies that need our help.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.daytondiaperdepot.org
- Email: info@daytondiaperdepot.org
