Need diapers for your little one? Local health district might be able to help
Published at
POCATELLO — Southeast Idaho Public Health District’s diaper bank helps struggling Idaho families have what they need to raise a happy baby. This year marks its sixth anniversary.
The district provides 2,000 to 3,000 diapers a month for anyone who needs them. Patrons visit the office at 1901 Alvin Ricken Drive to determine what sizes are available and staff bring them out.
For sizes one through three, up to 50 diapers per month are available. For sizes four through six, there’s a monthly allotment of 25.
“Our diaper bank is kind of an honor system. I don’t require people to show proof of income when they come in the door. If you need diapers, we’re here to help,” Program Coordinator Dana Solomon says.
The program started in 2017 when the health district recognized a need in the community. The public health district reached out to the Idaho Diaper Bank to form a partnership.
The Idaho Community Foundation recently awarded the health district with a $4,000 grant to support the diaper bank.
The aim of obtaining the Idaho Community Foundation Grant was to buy more diapers for children and increase their supply.
“The goal was to increase our numbers by at least 40 children,” Solomon said. “It should be able to increase our numbers by 40 to 60 kids, which is another month.”
But even with this grant, Solomon says “diapers go out as fast as they come in” and they often run out. There still isn’t enough to meet the community’s needs.
She holds diaper drives about twice a year and most of the time she partners with Fred Meyer.
“If I can get businesses on board or churches… if I can get partnerships developed within the community to do diaper drives, that gives me more inventory. Then I can then turn around and give out more,” Solomon said.
Donations are always welcome, which can be dropped off at the office. Community organizations who want to partner with the district for a diaper drive can contact Solomon at (208) 239-5256 or email at dsolomon@siph.id.gov.
Solomon recommends people calling ahead of time to request diapers to make sure the sizes they need are available. The number is (208) 233-9080.