Agencies partner for local diaper distribution
Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota distributes diapers on the first Tuesday of every month at the Exchange Club Center for Family Unity. Morgan Estabrook (right) and Cheri Diderrich, who both work with Catholic Charities, were in Owatonna for the distribution in August. Staff photo by Jonny Club
Approximately one in every two families experiences diaper need at the national level. The Exchange Club Center for Family Unity and Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota are working together to minimize that need in Steele County.
The two organizations have been partnering since April to distribute free diapers, pullups, wipes, and pre-natal care items to families in need in the Owatonna area. One of the main goals of the distribution is to support family stability and family unity.
“Without diapers, people can’t go to daycare, which means that families can’t work. If they have to stay home with their kiddos, it makes it really hard for income, and it’s just a vicious cycle,” said Morgan Estabrook, a child and family services social worker with Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota. “Having the ability to provide the diapers just really helps families…get some stability.”
The Center for Family Unity in Owatonna hosts the diaper distribution on the first Tuesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m., and although the program is typically used by lower-income individuals, anyone is eligible, Estabrook said. Organizers collect minimal information and either a picture of a crib card or birth certificate to verify that a family has a young child.
According to Estabrook, about 15 families received diapers at the distribution held on Aug. 6. However, Owatonna has served up to 40 families in previous months.
The diapers that are distributed each month are available thanks to a grant, as well as donations to Catholic Charities.
“We have a grant that…provides 25,000 diapers a quarter,” Estabrook said. “We do tend to go through most of that, so that’s why we say if people would be interested in donating, we are more than welcome to that.”
Those that would like to support the diaper distribution can mail packages to a Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota office or purchase items off of the organization’s Amazon wish list.
In addition to the diapers provided by Catholic Charities, the Center for Family Unity is also partnered with an organization called The Drawer to provide socks and underwear to those in need. Beth Hortop, the executive director of the Center for Family Unity, said that partnering with The Drawer allows the Center for Family Unity to provide socks and underwear to both children and adults.
Hortop said that the partnerships with both Catholic Charities and The Drawer are going “very good.” The diaper distribution will return to the Center for Family Unity in September.