​AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Hernandez, is hosting a diaper drive from Monday, Sept. 27 through Oct. 3 to benefit local families in need.

“Working families face dynamic and competing challenges that come with raising children day-in and day-out, and that’s even without issues caused by the pandemic layered on top of that,” said Hernandez. “Parents should not have to choose between putting food on their tables or purchasing necessary diapers for their children. I encourage all those who can to consider donating diapers during our supply drive and help local families in need.”

National Diaper Need Awareness Week draws attention to the issue of diaper need in the U.S. A study conducted by the National Diaper Bank Network found that one in three U.S. families struggle to provide enough diapers to keep a baby or toddler clean, dry and healthy. Hernandez is asking local residents to donate unopened or open packages of diapers in all sizes, baby wipes, and diaper bags. Donations can be dropped off at her district office from Monday through Friday, located at 540 W Galena Blvd. in Aurora, or at the following locations in Aurora: Tredwell Coffee, Good Morning Aurora, Family Focus, Endiro Coffee, McCarty Mills, Santori Library and the Aurora Business Center. For a convenient contactless option, individuals can donate on-line via an Amazon Registry by visiting, bit.ly/diaperdriveaurora.

For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Hernandez’s full time constituent service office by calling 630-270-1848 or emailing RepBarbaraHernandez@gmail.com.

BATAVIA, Ill. – To help local families that struggle with diaper need, state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, is hosting a diaper drive during Diaper Need Awareness Week.

“Struggling with diaper need and accessibility issues can cause many long-term negative consequences for low-income families,” said Villa. “Aside from immediate cleanliness and hygiene issues for the baby or toddler that include exposure to more potential health risks, these children are also less likely to be accepted to daycares, leaving parents unable to work and making it even harder to afford diapers.”

Rep. Villa is encouraging local residents to donate children’s diapers during Diaper Need Awareness Week, which is Sept. 23 through 27. According to the National Diaper Bank Network, one in three families struggle to afford enough diapers to keep their baby or toddler clean, dry and healthy. Diaper donations can be dropped off at Villa’s district office, located at 106 W. Wilson St., Suite 13 in Batavia, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations will benefit residents of the Batavia Apartments, and the greatest need is for diapers size 5 and 6.

“The National Diaper Bank Network estimates that the average cost of disposable diapers per baby can cost a family nearly $80 a month. Families should not have to choose between buying diapers, buying groceries or paying their utility bills,” said Villa. “I encourage local residents that are able to consider donating. Ensuring local families have access to an adequate supply of diapers can make a huge difference in their lives.”

For more information, please contact Rep. Villa’s constituent service office at 630-326-9319 or at StateRepKarinaVilla@gmail.com.

ALTON, Ill. – To help bring more attention to the issue during Diaper Need Awareness Week, state Rep. Monica Bristow, D-Alton, is joining fellow Metro East legislators in collecting diapers the week of Sept. 23 for donation to Soup-and-Share, a local organization serving families in need. 

“When we think about items to donate to help families in need, it can be easy to forget the need for clean diapers for infants and toddlers,” said Bristow. “In the United States, one in three families struggle to provide dry, clean diapers for their children.”

Over the summer, Bristow collected food and clothing in her office to help local families. She is now joining six other area legislators in helping collect diapers in observance of national Diaper Need Awareness week, Sept. 23-29. Residents are encouraged to drop off diapers for infants and young children at her constituent service office located at 102 W. 9th St., Suite 104 in Alton. The products collected will be donated to Soup-and-Share in Madison, IL to help launch their Diaper Bank for families across Madison County and the Metro East.

“I am proud to work with our legislators to help Soup-and-Share launch their Diaper Bank and to help support an organization that does so much great work for many families across our county,” said Bristow. “One of the strongest values that we all share is ensuring care for our infants and young children, and Soup-and-Share’s Diaper Bank will be working to help young families provide a basic need for their infants.”