The 2022 Franciscan Health Olympia Fields annual Diaper Drive collected more than 4,100 diapers for distribution to local community organizations to help families in Chicago’s Southland. The project is designed to raise awareness of diaper insecurity in the community.
“We hosted the Diaper Drive during Diaper Insecurity Month in October to meet this need prior to the holidays,” said Joan Culver, Director of Patient Care Services. “Since many families are forced to choose between purchasing food for their family or diapers to keep their little ones clean and healthy, these donations offer a little less worry and create awareness for the need in the community.”
The 4,165 diapers of all brands and sizes were dropped off at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields campus. Donations were made by hospital staff and members of the community, including a donation of 1,050 diapers from Xi Mu Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
Franciscan Health Foundation also received $470 in monetary donations from various donors, including the Flossmoor Service League, to purchase additional diapers at a discounted hospital rate.
Donated diapers will be distributed to local community organizations, including Respond Now and Aid for Women. Some some will be retained for Franciscan Health Olympia Fields Family Birth Center patients in need.
“This year’s successful Diaper Drive allows us to serve many more families across the Southland with resources and education about diaper insecurity,” Culver said.
Franciscan Health has made diaper drives like this a priority because diaper insecurity is an often overlooked factor that can lead to child abuse and neglect.
Those interesting in helping to combat diaper insecurity by making diaper or monetary donations are welcome to do so through Franciscan Health Foundation. Please call 708-852-2430 for more information.