Done In A Day – Diaper Drive

By: Jess Bush

Done in a Day is a unique placement in the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC). Instead of partnering with one specific organization, Done in a Day allows JLC members to support multiple organizations with our School Readiness focus. Throughout the year, this team tackles many projects, such as supporting Promising Pages, Dress for Success, school drives and many others that help remove barriers to school readiness for children in Mecklenburg County. Done in a Day provides excellent flexibility, which is wonderful for members with busy schedules and those who need weekend or evening events. The placement also allows members to form relationships with various community programs and other JLC members. Done in a Day is a wonderful placement for members seeking to plan group volunteering opportunities and build connections with in the community. Another impactful placement within the JLC is Bright Blessings. Recently, Done in a Day coordinated with Smart Start of Mecklenburg County and Bright Blessings to host a Diaper Drive. The drive lasted from October to December 2021 and collected 15,175 diapers! According to Bright Blessings and Smart Start of Mecklenburg County, “Bright Blessings distributed diapers to partners serving pregnant women and new mothers. We know that diaper security is linked to better outcomes for health, learning and a positive home atmosphere. Even an extra 50 diapers provided to one family per month can make the difference for a child’s skin to remain dry and healthy and meet daycare requirements for parent-provided diapers, which equates to less missed work for parents and fewer doctor visits for their baby. As a wonderful bonus, the agency’s ability to provide diapers is a tool for building trust and solid relationships with clients, increasing the opportunities for agencies and families to work together to improve outcomes in every respect: education, food security, health, wellness and positive living conditions.” The donated diapers made a huge impact on the local community. According to Done in a Day Chair Olivia Hubert, “Bright Blessings distributed the diapers to pregnant women and new mothers at Atrium Myers Park OB/GYN and Pediatrics, a clinic primarily serving Medicaid recipients. Since a one-month supply of newborn size diapers averages $80, some families have to make hard choices impacting the baby’s health and family stability.” Providing diapers supports a baby’s health and wellbeing by helping to avoid diaper rash. Diapers are a necessity for any childcare situation and this donation allows the families to focus on other needs.

The diapers were collected via an Amazon wish list and dropped off directly to the JLC building. While the diaper drive has ended, the North Carolina Diaper Bank opened a Charlotte location in April 2022. To get involved or make a donation, visit ncdiaperbank.org/ donate.