Rep. Devlin, Operation Hope Host Fairfield Diaper Drive

From the Connecticut House Republican Office:

FAIRFIELD, CT — State Rep. Laura Devlin, R-134, in cooperation with Operation Hope, hosted a month-long town Diaper Drive to help Fairfield neighbors in need of baby essentials.

On Saturday, the Diaper Drive culminated in a drop-off at Saugatuck Sweets with special guest First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick, where residents had another chance to donate.

"I want to thank everyone who helped and donated diapers for Fairfield families in-need. Your donation of diapers for babies and their mothers does help tremendously," Devlin said. "Job losses have disproportionately affected women during the pandemic, especially mothers, and diaper banks across the country have reported being busier than ever before, that is why this is so important."

Diapers are an expensive but essential need for babies, and yet they are not covered by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children benefits.

“The cost of diapers has gone up this year, making it even more difficult for families to get the supplies they need to keep their baby healthy and safe," First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick said. "This annual diaper drive is a small step in an effort to support families in need. It’s always heartwarming to see the way our community always comes together to help one another."

According to the National Diaper Bank Network, one in three families already struggle with diaper needs. For a single parent making the federal minimum wage, diaper costs alone could account for nearly 7 percent of their monthly income (pre-tax).

"I’m so grateful to our giving community who recognize that struggling families need help to deal with the high cost of diapers," Operation Hope Executive Director Carla Miklos said. "It’s a public health crisis, and we are so lucky that Rep. Laura Devlin continues to organize this effort each year."

This event has been an annual diaper drive for years and was postponed last year due to COVID, but that did not end the demand for diapers, which, according to Operation Hope, has since risen.

While this collection effort made a huge difference, diapers are always in need and donations are always welcome. Reach out to Miklos at Operation Hope at 203-254-2935 if you would like to make a donation.