Public Administration and Policy is proud to support Athens Area Diaper Bank as our January Nonprofit of the Month. The Athens Area Diaper Bank is a nonprofit organization that collects diapers from organizations and individuals to provide families in the Athens area with access to clean diapers. The Athens Area Diaper Bank got its start in October 2015 with the sponsorship of the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, and became an independent organization in late 2018. They are a proud member of the National Diaper Bank Network. Athens Area Diaper Bank distributes through local nonprofits and organization across 6 counties around the Athens area.

This month, PADP is spreading awareness of “diaper need,” which is a lack of sufficient supply of diapers to keep babies clean and dry. And, we are promoting the good works of the Athens Area Diaper Bank in hopes that people will become aware, educated, and part of the solution to this problem.

Diapers cost over $900 every year, a cost that one in three families struggle with in our country. There are over 3,100 children under the age of five living in poverty in the Athens community, and government assistance programs, like food stamps and WIC, do not cover diapers. The vital work of the Athens Area Diaper Bank helps our local families that are struggling with this need. This assistance helps to make sure babies have clean diapers, avoiding issues that come with re-using or staying in soiled diapers too long, like diaper rash, and staph and urinary tract infections.

There are many ways you can help out. You can donate diapers, donate money, or volunteer through the Athens Area Diaper Bank. PADP will also be accepting diaper donations in our office (Baldwin Hall 204) through the end of the month, to benefit the Athens Area Diaper Bank. Any donation, big or small, helps. Anything you drop off would be appreciated.

We invite you to learn more about the Athens Area Diaper Bank and the concerning issue of diaper need. You can check out their website at https://www.athensareadiaperbank.com.