Jericho-Syosset Girl Scouts Donate Diapers to Allied Foundation

Syosset, NY / Jericho, NY / Melville, NY, April 9, 2021 –Allied Foundation recently accepted a donation of 3,200 diapers baby wipes collected by the Jericho-Syosset Girl Scouts as part of their commitment to service and leadership to make a difference in their community. The diapers and wipes will benefit MOMMAS House of Wantagh where they will be distributed to young Long Island mothers in need.

MOMMAS House of Wantagh is non-profit home for young mothers aged 18 to 24 years and their babies who are facing homelessness. For approximately two years, the young mothers at MOMMAS House continue education or vocational experience interrupted by pregnancy. With guidance and direction, the young mothers can learn to support themselves and their children independently.

Even before the COVID-19 crisis, approximately one in three U.S. families experienced diaper needs, a public health issue exacerbated by the growing economic and unemployment crisis caused by the pandemic.

Allied Foundation, a not-for-profit organization founded by Allied Physicians Group, based in Melville, has distributed 920,000 diapers to families in need in Suffolk, Nassau, Queens and Brooklyn since the pandemic began in 2020. Due to the unprecedented demand for diapers, today the diaper bank is on track to distribute 1 million diapers this year to help families who are struggling financially.

"Diapers and wipes are expensive and many families on Long Island cannot afford them. Infants require up to 12 diapers a day, toddlers about eight making the cost as much as $80 per month, per baby. Clean, dry diapers are critical for ensuring good health to prevent illness and skin infection," said Heather Edwards, Executive Director of the Allied Foundation.

"The support of the Allied Foundation and Girl Scouts of Syosset-Jericho has arrived at a critical time and will go a long way to help the babies and toddlers of these young mothers in need," said Patricia (Pat) Shea, Executive Director, MOMMAS House.

According to the National Diaper Bank Network, one in three American families struggle with diaper need. Clean diapers keep a baby clean, dry and healthy. Government programs—including SNAP and WIC benefits—do not provide funding for diapers. As a result, the poorest 20% of Americans with infants and toddlers spend nearly 14% of their after-tax income on diapers. Most childcare providers require parents to provide disposable diapers for their children a concern for families who struggle with diaper need.

To learn more about the Allied Foundation and the Allied Foundation Diaper Bank of Long Island, visit https://alliedfoundation.org/give/donate-diapers/ or call (631) 386-4185.

Allied Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded by Allied Physicians Group. Its mission is to improve the health and well-being of people in the community. Through the Allied Foundation, Allied Diaper Bank and partners more than 920,000 diapers have been donated to needy families on Long Island and in the Boroughs of New York City. For more information, visit www.alliedfoundation.org.

MOMMAS House provides housing and support services to young mothers and their babies. At MOMMAS House we seek to give the mother the opportunity to continue her education or vocational experience interrupted by pregnancy. With guidance and direction, the young mothers can learn to support themselves and their children independently. MOMMAS House exists because there are very few options for pregnant or parenting youth facing homelessness. They require the assistance and security we have extended to hundreds of residents since 1986 so that they can, one day, support and protect their own families for a lifetime. For more information, visit www.mommashouse.org

Headquartered in Melville, NY, on Long Island, Allied Physicians Group a partnership of more than 150 dedicated pediatric physicians and 650 highly trained support staff serving over 180,000 patients with offices throughout New York State. Founded in 2006, Allied Physicians Group is a recognized leader in increasing healthcare efficiencies and patient satisfaction, with a special emphasis on support, innovation and collaboration. For more information please visit: www.alliedphysiciansgroup.com.

PHOTO CAPTION:
The Allied Foundation recently accepted a donation of 3,200 diapers baby wipes from the Girl Scouts of Jericho-Syosset as part of a community service project. The diapers and wipes will benefit MOMMAS House of Wantagh where they will be distributed to young Long Island mothers in need. Pictured are: Patricia Shea (Pat), Executive Director, Mommas House (left) and Heather Edwards, Executive Director, Allied Foundation. Photo credit: Courtesy Allied Foundation