GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The 2025 Diaper Drive for the United Way of Franklin and Hampshire regions has kicked off. The annual donation supports United Way’s diaper banks where approximately 20,000 diapers are distributed each month. A March 2022 study found that 36% of Massachusetts families with young children could not afford enough diapers for their children and diaper costs are risen 32% between 2019 and 2024.
From the UNITED WAY OF THE FRANKLIN & HAMPSHIRE REGION:
UNITED WAY OF THE FRANKLIN & HAMPSHIRE REGION
HOLDS ANNUAL JUNE DIAPER DRIVE
Greenfield, Mass., June 12, 2025 –United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region (UWFH) is fighting diaper need in Western Massachusetts one “change” at a time by holding a drive through June 30th. Contributions will help UWFH collect the nearly 20,000 diapers it distributes each month via its diaper bank to 14 local agencies supporting our community. Donations can be made online via UWFH’s Amazon wish list or in person at more than 45 donation sites located across Franklin and Hampshire Counties. UWFH is also accepting cash donations made online and by check that will go directly toward supporting its cross-county diaper bank. The 2025 diaper drive is coordinated in partnership with Greenfield Savings Bank, the Northampton Radio Group, The Daily Hampshire Gazette, The Greenfield Recorder, Country Bank, Greenfield and Northampton Cooperative Bank, and Florence Bank. The drive’s presenting sponsor, Greenfield Savings Bank, is generously matching all monetary donations up to $10,000.
UWFH encourages donors to give larger diaper sizes for children that are often harder to come by at local pantries, specifically sizes 4, 5, and 6, as well as pull-up training pants. Days of action will include standouts on Saturday, June 21st from 10:30 AM-12:30 PM at Stop & Shop in Northampton and on Saturday, June 28th from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM at Stop & Shop in Greenfield. For more information about how to donate or host a donation drop-off box at your organization or business, visit uw-fh.org/diaper-drive, call 413-584-3962 x102, or email info@uw-fh.org.
Not everyone knows about diaper need in Western Massachusetts, but it remains a critical issue for many low-income families. In March 2022, a study conducted by researchers at the University of Vermont and the Greater Boston Food Bank found that 36% of Massachusetts families with young children could not afford enough diapers for their children. Even more striking, the National Diaper Bank Network reported in 2024 that nationally, one out of every two families with young children struggle to buy diapers. Though high rates of diaper need are reported among those receiving food assistance, SNAP and WIC cannot be used to buy diapers, even though they are crucial to the healthy development of infants and toddlers. Diapers can cost as much as $100 per month, per child, and prices continue to rise. According to NielsenIQ, the average cost of diapers increased by 32% from 2019 to 2024. Most daycare and early education programs require families to provide disposable diapers in order for children to attend. Without enough clean diapers, children lose out on valuable developmental programming and guardians miss work. Many families are forced to decide between changing a diaper and paying for utilities, rent, clothing, and other important needs.
About United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region
UWFH’s mission is to work in partnership with our community to identify and address our region’s most pressing issues. We inspire and engage individuals and organizations to invest together in overcoming those challenges. Our vision is that all individuals and families have equitable access to the tools and resources to support their basic needs and ensure future successes. In doing so, we build a strong, vibrant, and inclusive community. UWFH is an active member of both the Franklin and Hampshire County Perinatal Support Coalitions, the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Roundtable, and the National Diaper Bank Network and its Massachusetts advocacy group.