Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank
June Newsletter
The WPA Diaper Bank Continues to Grow
We would like to thank everyone who has continued to support us in getting diapers out in the community. When the pandemic first started, we did not know how we were going to continue to operate. But, with the help of our dedicated volunteers we continued to sort, count and repackage diapers to give to our partner agencies. Our partner agencies stepped up and figured out ways to distribute the diapers to families who needed them.

While life continues to inch toward normalcy, the need for diapers is still increasing. Last year we distributed 1.3 million diapers and this year our goal is to distribute upwards of 2 million! Both our Pittsburgh and Westmoreland locations are in need of your support to help us to make sure no baby goes without a clean dry diaper. How can you help?

  1. Volunteer - Both locations are in need of regular volunteer groups to help package diapers, wipes, and period products which will then be distributed by partner agencies.
  2. Host a diaper drive - Get your church, business, or neighborhood involved and collect diapers for babies!
  3. Donate - We are always in need of funds to help us buy diapers, wipes, and period products. Donate on our website or host your own Facebook Fundraiser for us.

In addition to our regular diaper programs, we have started a senior program to help with incontinence supplies and a Period Advocacy Program to help young girls and women with period supplies—all basic necessities not covered by any Government assistance. Stay tuned for more information on these programs.

We love that we can say we have continued to grow and help more families in need. We love even more that it has been your support that has allowed us to do this. Thank you.
Partner Highlight: Youth Enrichment Services (YES)
WPA Diaper Bank is excited to announce a partnership with Youth Enrichment Services to offer a *PAID* opportunity this summer for youth ages 14-21 in Allegheny County. 

Thanks to the generosity of The Pittsburgh Foundation, our WPA Period Project is taking flight! We are working with Youth Enrichment Services (YES), a Learn and Earn provider, to offer a pilot program where students can make money while learning about period poverty, advocacy, and turning knowledge into action.

As a Learn and Earn provider, YES offers youth a paid program that runs from June- August with the goals of 1. employability preparation; 2. leadership development with an emphasis on cultural and social development; and 3. academic enrichment and experiential learning. Programming is guided by student interest and has also prioritized social interaction and wellness following the pandemic. 

YES will be the program lead on the Period Project pilot, which will offer a unique addition to the Learn and Earn line up starting in June. The program will cover period poverty and how it relates to broader issues like intersectionality, resource availability, and how to turn knowledge into advocacy for issues students care about. 

Olivia Kelley is excited to spearhead the pilot project for YES. “Periods are considered pretty taboo, so the opportunity to normalize the conversation around this and teach that it’s not just women who have periods and move the conversation to advocacy is a cool opportunity for our students. It has potential to be powerful for teens to know that they are not alone and have a voice that they can use.”
Volunteer Highlight: PittServes
WPA Diaper Bank relies so heavily on our volunteers and we can't thank them all enough! We COULD NOT possibly serve our partners and communities without the volunteers that consistently show up and show out!

This month we'd like to highlight a particular returning group of champions that have dedicated over 130 hours of volunteer time in 2021 alone!

The University of Pittsburgh's University-wide initiative, known as PittServes, engages students in meaningful service to the community on a local, national and international scale. Their focus is on sustainability, education and community development, increasing student community service and broadening the university's impact. We're so fortunate to have so many civil servants returning to help us time and time again. Thank you PittServes for all that you do!
WPADB Welcomes New Board Members, New Employees
Maria A.LaVelle has been elected to the WPADB Board of Directors. Ms. LaVelle is the Chief Executive Officer at PHEPLE Federal Credit Union.
Keisha Che're Jimmerson, M.B.A. has been elected to the WPADB Board of Directors. Ms Jimmerson is the Associate Dean of Students for Diversity, Inclusion and International Student Services at Seton Hill University.ext Link
Christina Bard recently joined WPADB as our Development Lead. With over a decade of experience with nonprofit organizations in Pittsburgh, she brings knowledge in fundraising, communications, event planning and organizational development to support the Diaper Bank's growth. She is passionate about building relationships and sustainable solutions that strengthen communities. As a single mom she understands the challenges our families face and wants make sure they have the essential products they need. If you'd like to join our event and fundraising committee, or just say hello, please reach to her at cbard@wpadiaperbank.org.
Opportunities and Needs
Volunteers Needed!

The WPDB team has been hard at work making sure those in need are able to get diapers, wipes and other items. This means that we need volunteers to help us package diapers.

If you're interested in getting out of the house and helping those in your community, please email us at info@wpadiaperbank.org to get more information and schedule a time.

If you do not have the time to come out and volunteer at our warehouse, we are always looking for people who are willing to host a diaper drive. You can even do this virtually by sharing our Amazon Wishlist with your friends and family.
You can visit our Diaper Drive page for information about hosting a traditional diaper drive.
Diaper Drop-offs

If you ever want to make a diaper donation but don’t know of a local diaper drive happening and don’t have the opportunity to host one yourself, check out our Diaper Drop-Off Locations page to see which locations have listed drop-off hours. If no hours are listed, we recommend calling them to see if they are currently accepting any donations.
Period Products

Did you know that the WPDB also collects and distributes period products?

Two in 5 individuals struggles to afford period products due to a lack of income.

If you'd like to help, period products can be dropped off at any of our year-round drop-off locations mentioned above.
We need your help!

At the end of August 2021, the cost of diapers will be increasing by 8.7%!! This is a huge increase that will be felt both by the families struggling to currently buy diapers and also by diaper banks like us who purchase diapers for these families or rely on others to do so and donate them.

We are looking for a few corporate donors who are looking for ways to give back to their communities. If you know of any corporate business that would be interested in helping us by purchasing diapers on a regular basis, please let us know or send them our information and email to get in touch, info@wpadiaperbank.org.

Purchase a Diaper Pallet!

Join us for a fundraiser to buy a truckload of diapers. The truckload has 60 pallets on it at $600 a pallet (of diapers), totaling $36,000. We need 60 people to purchase a pallet and we will be able to diaper 5,000 more babies!!

This is a great fundraiser to do with your friends, coworkers, church, club, or just by yourself. If you'd like more information, contact us at info@wpadiaperbank.org.
Events!
Monthly Westmoreland Lunch & Learn Volunteer Events

Last Thursday of the Month
10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Join us along with Blended and Brewed Bakery and Mobile Confectionary for a day of fellowship, volunteering, and delicious food.
Ligonier Library Event and WPADB Diaper Distribution Event

Wednesday, July 14
11:00 am - 1:00 pm


The Ligonier Library will be holding a Magic Show and Diaper distribution with us in July. The event will take place at the Baseball Pavilion near Friendship Park.
Express Professionals Christmas in July Diaper Drive

July 1 - July 30
(Drop off Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm)

Express Employment Professionals is hosting a Christmas in July Diaper Drive for us. Drop off diapers, wipes, and period products all through the month of July.
Westmoreland Bingo for Babies 9th Anniversary Event

Saturday, September 25
6:00 - 9:00 pm

Join us for our 9th anniversary celebration for a bit of Bingo for Babies!
Fayette County Children & Youth Service Clothing Giveaway

Saturday, July 17
11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Will will join the Fayette County Children & Youth Service Clothing Giveaway for diaper distribution in Fayette County, 130 Old Salem Road Uniontown, PA. 15401. The clothing give away will be from 9am-1pm and diaper distribution from 11am - 1pm.
Carnegie Library of Homewood Drive-Thru Diaper Distribution

Saturday, July 24
10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Carnegie Library of Homewood will hosting a drive thru diaper distribution with us. Drive Thru will be from 10am-12pm and walk ups/pedestrians from 1pm-2pm.