DMARC Receives Over 10,000 Diapers in UnityPoint Health Systems Campaign

In the Iowa Health Systems 2-month-long Diaper-A-Day Campaign, the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) has received the equivalent of 10,000 diapers, breaking last year’s total by 5,000! The diapers will help about 3,000 low-income families with toddlers and babies ages 24-months and younger.

While safety-net programs such as SNAP (food assistance) and WIC (women, infants, and children) assist with the cost of formula and baby food, neither program covers necessities such as diapers and wipes.

“Many of the young families receiving food assistance through the DMARC Food Pantry Network cannot cover their basic needs for diapers, baby wipes, infant formula and baby food,” said DMARC executive director, Sarai Schnucker Rice. She continues, “We greatly appreciate the support and the awareness to the need for diapers that the UnityPoint Health Systems Diaper Campaign has created.”

Rebecca Whitlow, DMARC Food Pantry Network and MovetheFood director, is encouraged by what the UnityPoint Health Systems campaign has done. “We have received many generous donations of diapers, wipes, and monetary gifts because of the publicity that we received in relation to the campaign. Community awareness has increased, and this is always a good thing,” confirmed Whitlow.

For individuals and groups interested in donating diapers or having a diaper drive, DMARC encourages donations of sizes 5, 6, and pull-ups. Monetary donations allow for the purchase of the size diapers that are frequently requested. Diapers can always be donated through DMARC Red Barrels located in Dahl’s, Fareway, Hy-Vee food stores, and at the DMARC warehouse at 3816 36th St. in Des Moines weekdays from 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

To learn more about UnityPoint Health Systems’ programs and their maternity services, go to their webpage: IowaPregnancy.com.

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