Melrose Diaper Drive Now Underway

MELROSE, MA — Melrose community members have a chance to help support families in need via a diaper drive now underway.

The Mayor’s office announced the drive on Wednesday of last week. The drive launched on Tuesday to continue through Dec. 16.

Community members can donate diapers or wipes at the Melrose Mayor’s Office at City Hall or the Melrose Public Library, which is currently operating at the Beebe School at 263 W Foster Street.

The diaper drive is accepting all sizes and brands of diapers, though there is a special need for sizes five and six.

The diaper drive is back this year for a second year. All diapers and wipes collected will go to MelroseWakefield Healthcare for related community programs.

Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur last week noted important health impacts for physical and emotional health in babies whose families have access to clean and dry diapers.

Brodeur separately noted programs like WIC and SNAP, which don’t cover diapers.

“With an increase in families struggling to afford the basics at the holidays, your help to reduce diaper need is more important than ever,” Brodeur said.

Individuals needing more information can contact the mayor’s office by phone at (781) 979-4440 or email at mayorsoffice@cityofmelrose.org.

The mayor office last week flagged a 2022 study in Health Equity that, in part, found more than a third of Massachusetts families with young children were unable to buy a sufficient diaper supply for their children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The need, the study found, had remained similar to pre-pandemic figures despite federal stimulus money and increased efforts toward diaper accessibility by community organizations.

The study identified groups at increased risk of not being able to afford diapers and suggested programs like SNAP and WIC as well as local food banks and food pantries could work to create opportunities to provide families with diapers.