Salem Launches April Diaper Drive For Families In Need

SALEM, MA — Salem residents are asked to consider making a donation to the Board of Health's April Diaper Drive for families in need at five locations across the city.

Studies show that 1 in 2 families struggle to pay for diapers with a lack of diapers leading to negative outcomes for children and family health, educational opportunities and emotional welfare.

"Women with diaper need also reported more difficulty with stress management, depression and coping with trauma — which can negatively affect a child’s health and development," according to the National Diaper Bank Network website.

Diapers are a basic need for children, as important to their health and well-being as food, shelter, and a parent's love. Diapers cannot be bought with food stamps. Childcare programs require parents to supply diapers for their child, and these programs typically do not allow cloth diapers. Without diapers, a child cannot participate and their parent must stay home, losing wages and increasing stress.

All diaper sizes are needed, from newborn to size 6, with sizes 5 and 6 being most needed. All diapers/wipes collected will be distributed to Salem residents in need.

Location and Hours

There are 5 donation boxes located in Salem:

City Hall, 93 Washington Street

City Hall Annex, 98 Washington Street

Salem Library Children’s Room, 370 Essex Street

Salem YMCA, 1 Sewall Street

Community Life Center, 401 Bridge Street

Donations are being accepted April 1 through April 30 during regular business hours at each building.

For further information, contact the Salem Board of Health at (978) 741-1800 or health@salem.com.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)