By Michael Hopkins
Jewish family service
SAN DIEGO — Imagine running out of diapers for your child and not being able to afford new ones. The cost of diapers has risen, along with groceries, rent, utilities and more, putting even more pressure on families. Today, nearly half of all American families can barely afford this essential product.
Why are diapers so important? Having enough diapers affects parents’ ability to work. Most daycare centers require families to provide their children with a supply of diapers. Recent studies* have shown that a quarter of parents and educators had to miss work last year due to a lack of diapers.
Jackie
“Everything is so expensive in San Diego right now – even diapers. The JFS Diaper Bank really helps our family. Since I don’t have to buy as many diapers, I can afford other things that my family needs.”
– Jackie and Baby Zion
Thanks to a partnership with Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and generous donors from the community, the JFS Diaper Bank provides families with 75 free diapers each month for each child in their family who needs them. From July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, Jewish Family Service provided more than 281,000 diapers to 1,325 families, including more than 1,780 children. This adds up to a potential savings of $900 for each family, allowing them to spend their wages on other important needs.
Carla
“The JFS Diaper Bank is a true blessing for our family. The amount of diapers we receive allows me to go a whole month without worry. And it helps us to afford more organic food so we can give our baby the best possible start in life.”
– Karla
Your donation today will provide more than just diapers to San Diego families. It will help provide families with compassionate care and critical resources – including nutritional support, housing and transportation assistance, elder care and more. Together, we can build a caring community with services that build and strengthen – helping families stabilize, move forward and thrive.
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Michael Hopkins is executive director of Jewish Family Service of San Diego.